What is FIDO2? FIDO2 Web Authentication Explained

One main benefit of technology has been managing our lives, from our workplace to our finances. Still, to ensure that our most sensitive information is safe, we tend to use passwords that are only required to be known to oneself alone.

But with technology being ever-evolving, criminals have found a way to bypass passwords, hence the need for a more robust, more secure way of authorizing access to our most sensitive information. One way you can be assured of the safety of all your accounts is by switching to FIDO2 authentication, otherwise known as passwordless authentication. Therefore, this article will help you understand FIDO2.

What is FIDO2?

FIDO2 is a security protocol designed to promote passwordless authentication during user verification at work or on any of your online accounts. FIDO2 is a product of the FIDO alliance, comprising technology firms and various service providers. Therefore, FIDO2 is a security standard designed to offer highly advanced security levels in cryptography while still being able to expand and offer you several authentication options like:

• Multi-factor authentication is mainly used to meet high assurance requirements, especially during financial transactions and prescription ordering. Requires a hardware authenticator and a biometric or pin
• Passwordless authentication- designed to eliminate the use of weak passwords; thus no need for a second factor since you’ll only need a hardware authenticator to gain access to your accounts
• Two-factor authentication – involves the use of a hardware authenticator that requires strong two-factor authentication, thereby offering you an extra layer of protection.

FIDO2 comprises two components that bring it to fruition: the client and the authenticator (CTAP). This protocol offers FIDO2-enabled devices or platform authenticators an interface to authentication devices. It can be done through NFC, Bluetooth, U2F multiple dongles, virtual authenticators, or USB. Second is the web authentication API/WebAuthn API, a web-based API that allows FIDO2 integration on platforms and web browsers like Mozilla, Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and WebKit.

How Does FIDO2 Work?

Since the FIDO2 standard doesn’t require passwords, it relies on physical tokens or virtual authenticators to act as security. Using this, you can access the network or your accounts. One thing about FIDO2 that makes it so safe, secure, and convenient is that it uses public key cryptography, which has to be registered.

When a FIDO security key is registered, a public and private key is produced for the client and the user. Once the key pair is created, the public key is stored in the web service key database. The private keys are stored on the device and are only known by you.

Therefore, the key pair would be required to validate your identity whenever you want to access the network. Here is a step-by-step process of FIDO2 in action. Remember, for this to work, the platform authenticator must be FIDO2-supported.

• First, you have to fill in the required registration form, then select a FIDO2 security key
• The platform will then produce a FIDO 2 authentication key pair
• If a key pair is generated, the private key with your information is stored on your device, such as U2F multiple dongles. In contrast, the public key is sent to the platform authenticator as part of the authenticator data.

After a secure communication platform is established, both the new credential and credential source is permanently recorded, making it possible for future logins. To access your account or network later, all you have to do is follow the following steps:

• Provide your login credentials
• The platform will present you with a cryptographic challenge where you’ll use your issued private key to sign in
• Once the key is verified, the platform will grant you access to your account.

Why turn to FIDO2

• Robust account security

FIDO2 is all but dedicated to the elimination of passwords and replacing them with hardware-based solid authentication that uses asymmetric cryptography with an attestation statement format

• Improved usability

Since FIDO2 uses hardware-based security, access to your accounts or networks is much faster and easier compared to having to remember or type passwords, web authentication, or awaiting the renewal of your login credentials, especially if you were using timed passwords.

• One centralized key

With FIDO2, a single key allows you to access all your accounts without any information sharing

• Scalability

FIDO2 is scalable since all you need is a web authentication API, and you can use it on any platform