FIDO2 is a set of authentication standards developed by the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance. It uses public key cryptography to provide a simpler, more secure method of authenticating users. FIDO2 consists of two main components: the WebAuthn and CTAP protocols.
One key benefit of FIDO2 is that it eliminates the need for passwords. Instead, users can authenticate themselves using biometric devices, such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition cameras, or by plugging in a security key (for example, a YubiKey). This dramatically reduces the risk of password-based attacks, such as phishing and brute-force attacks.
For larger enterprises, it can be particularly beneficial because it provides a standardized method of authentication that can be used across multiple systems and applications. This simplifies the management of user identities and login procedures and reduces the risk of security breaches due to weak or compromised passwords.
FIDO2 can also improve the user experience by making it easier and more convenient for users to access their accounts. By eliminating the need for passwords, users no longer have to remember complex passwords or go through the hassle of resetting them when they forget.
While FIDO can benefit enterprises significantly, implementing it in large organizations can be challenging. Some of the difficulties that may be encountered include:
Many enterprises may have legacy systems that are incompatible with FIDO2. Finding a solution that can overcome this is key to implementing FIDO in your environment.
Users may be accustomed to using passwords and may require education and training on how to use FIDO. However, when this is done, it should result in fewer IT tickets.
Implementing FIDO2 may require purchasing new hardware, such as security keys like YubiKeys or biometric devices, which can be expensive for large organizations.
Despite these challenges, FIDO2 can significantly benefit larger organizations looking to improve their authentication and security. By eliminating passwords and using public key cryptography, FIDO2 can simplify access management, enhance user experience, and reduce the risk of security breaches due to weak or compromised passwords.
If this sounds interesting, contact us to learn how we can help you set up a security solution based on FIDO2 that works for you.
Our solution can help address most of the challenges that may be encountered when implementing FIDO2. For example, our Gateway provides an easy access management solution with full FIDO support, enabling a seamless user experience across multiple systems and applications.
It is combined with our ID Server to let you choose all types of authentication methods, not only FIDO, to deliver a genuinely adaptable authentication solution for large and complex organizations. Because we know that not everyone needs or can use the same authentication method.
ID Server and Gateway are part of our Pointsharp Access Management solution, which also offers advanced single sign-on capabilities.
Using hardware tokens like YubiKeys makes login processes more secure by preventing a lot of common attack vectors like phishing. But how can you easily deploy them in an enterprise environment?
Tell us your challenges and we can show how you could implement FIDO in your infrastructure.
