Are FIDO-based Credentials the Next Step in the Evolution of Online Authentication?

Authentication refers to the verification of identification on electronic systems to gain access. This is accomplished by identification, most typically with a username and password: the user ID. The construction of an identifier on a system necessitates numerous pieces of information and user acceptance. Online authentication can take many shapes and forms in this modern day. From single, two to multifactor authentication, users are challenged to provide this information to verify their identity. Although authentication is a crucial metric of cyber security, a holistic approach is often required for a steadfast solution.

Sepiocyber.com, for example, is changing the cybersecurity landscape by detecting hidden hardware assaults that operate across network and USB interfaces. They are the world’s only company to perform Physical Layer fingerprinting. This practice, alongside secure authentication technology, hardens organizational defense against cyber-attacks.

EHA

Introducing FIDO

Apple, Google, and Microsoft have recently pledged to support a single standard for password-free sign-ins to make the web a safer place for everyone. The standard they are advocating uses the same technology that we use to unlock our devices every day, such as a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition; however, this activity will now allow us to sign in to websites and apps. Not only is it easier, but the FIDO standards employed make identity management systems cryptographically safe, straightforward, and consistent across devices and websites.

To achieve stronger authentication, the FIDO protocols employ common public-key cryptography algorithms. During online service registration, the user’s client device generates a new key pair. The private key is kept, and the public key is registered with the internet service. The client device authenticates itself by signing a challenge and proving possession of the private key to the service. The client’s private keys can only be used if the user unlocks them locally on the device. A user-friendly and secure action, such as swiping a finger, entering a PIN, speaking into a microphone, inserting a second-factor device, or pressing a button, is used to unlock the device locally.

The FIDO protocols are built from the ground up to safeguard user privacy. The protocols do not provide information that multiple online services can use to coordinate and follow a user across services. If biometric data is used, it never leaves the user’s device.

How to get started with FIDO

In the future users of external sites or even the users of your services, if your organization decides to implement this online identity authentication protocol, must register their device as a trusted FIDO device.

The user is prompted to select an available FIDO authenticator that matches the acceptance policy of the online service. The FIDO authenticator is unlocked by the user via a fingerprint scanner, a button on a second-factor device, a securely entered PIN, or another mechanism.

The user’s device generates a new public/private key pair that is specific to the local device, online service, and user account. The public key is transmitted to the online service and linked to the user’s account. The private key, as well as any information regarding the local authentication mechanism, such as biometric measures, are never sent outside of the local device.

What happens during FIDO authentication?

The online service requires the user to log in using a previously registered device that meets the acceptance policy of the service. The user unlocks the FIDO authenticator in the same way as they registered it. The device selects the proper key and signs the service’s challenge using the user’s account identifier provided by the service. The client device delivers the signed challenge back to the service, which validates it against the saved public key and logs the user in.

Vendors, deployment organizations, and users benefit from FIDO certification. FIDO certifies to customers the integrity of a vendor’s product by proving that it adheres to the FIDO specifications.

In Conclusion

Organizations need to keep themselves always informed of evolving technologies. The reasoning behind this is that new technologies will always have an impact on:

  • Cyber Security Policies and practices
  • Benefits of emerging technologies
  • Simplifying/streamlining day-to-day business for their clients

Although cutting edge is not always the answer, especially with cyber security in mind. Organizations might benefit from staying informed. Cyber security specialists might also be able to add their insight and guide organizations to adopt safe practices. Simplifying authentication for your clients has a positive effect on your reputation.

Work done by a Team Of Security Experts from Cyber Writes (www.cyberwrites.com) - World’s First Dedicated Content-as-a-Service (CaaS) Platform for Cybersecurity. For Exclusive Cyber Security Contents, Reach at: [email protected]