FIDO Security Keys | Multi-Factor Authentication Devices (2024)

FAQs

What is the FIDO compliant security key authentication method? ›

FIDO authentication uses standard public key cryptography techniques to provide phishing-resistant authentication. During registration with an online service, the user's client device creates a new cryptographic key pair that is bound to the web service domain.

These FIDO2 security keys are typically USB devices, but could also use Bluetooth or NFC. With a hardware device that handles the authentication, the security of an account is increased as there's no password that could be exposed or guessed.

The YubiKey itself can hold multiple FIDO2 credentials (up to 25), giving a user enough flexibility to secure all important accounts. The Identity Authentication administrator may allow only a certain type of MFA devices by configuring allowed security keys.

FIDO authentication standards are based on public key cryptography and are designed to provide a safe, easy login experience and better security for web and online services, at a lower cost. FIDO's latest authentication specification is the Client to Authenticator Protocols (CTAP).

For example, a password and a retina scan, or a password and a code from an authenticator application. FIDO authentication implements MFA in a single, user-friendly step. As far as the user is concerned, they only have to scan their fingerprint or insert a hardware key to log in.

The user's device, which could be a personal computer or a mobile device, creates a new key pair unique to the device, online service and user account. The user's device retains the private key and sends the public key to the online service associated with the user's account, which completes the registration process.

FIDO2 passwordless authentication relies on cryptographic algorithms to generate a pair of private and public passkeys—long, random numbers that are mathematically related.

Biometric devices are authentication devices based on human physical or behavioral traits. Biometrics based on human physical traits generally come in the form of hardware devices like fingerprint readers, iris readers, and palm readers. Biometrics based on behavior traits often come in software form.

However, considering a YubiKey being used five times a day, 365 days per year, it will take 18 years for the counter to get stuck. Furthermore, as this counter only increment the first time after power up / reset, the practical lifetime is even longer.

Can YubiKey replace passwords? ›

Replaces weak passwords with strong hardware-based authentication using Private / Public Key (asymmetric) cryptography.

Other 2FA methods typically only send you a six-digit code to confirm your identity, mostly because it would be unreasonable to expect humans to type much more than that. YubiKeys don't require you to manually enter a code, so they're free to use much longer codes. That's more secure.

Most Secure: Hardware Keys

External hardware keys, like Yubikeys, are among the strongest authentication factors available. Also called FIDO keys, they generate a cryptographically secure MFA authentication code at the push of a button.

Definition and Purpose. FIDO security keys are physical devices that provide secure and convenient authentication for users. They leverage public-key cryptography to verify user identities and offer an additional layer of protection against phishing attacks and password-related vulnerabilities.

FIDO2 works by using public key cryptography instead of passwords to validate user identities, thwarting cybercriminals who attempt to steal user credentials through phishing, malware, and other password-based attacks.

noun. Based on FIDO standards, passkeys are a replacement for passwords that provide faster, easier, and more secure sign-ins to websites and apps across a user's devices. Unlike passwords, passkeys are always strong and phishing-resistant.​

FIDO2 advantages

Replaces weak passwords with strong hardware-based authentication using public key crypto to protect against phishing, session hijacking, man-in-the-middle, and malware attacks.

A Key Based Authentication is a more secure and encrypted method of authorization that allows a user to gain access to target resources with the help of secret keys that are stored and guarded in a secure location by the end user.