FIDO Authentication
A set of authentication standards, created by the FIDO alliance, that replace passwords with a safer, simpler form of passkey-based security.
FIDO stands for “Fast IDentity Online.” The acronym represents a revolutionary breakthrough in the identity industry.
Consisting of a set of technology-agnostic security protocols and specifications, FIDO authentication works with multiple kinds of software and systems. It is widely accepted worldwide as the standard for modern authentication.
At its core, FIDO authentication revolves around removing the need for passwords, which are a constant headache for users, a customer service cost for companies, and a security threat to everyone. Instead, FIDO authentication uses a unique set of digital credentials called passkeys. These are tied to a user’s account or an application that a user wishes to access regularly.
FIDO authenticators, including passkeys, remove the danger of phishing attacks, which seek to discover specific pieces of personal information like a password or OTP (one-time password). Instead, FIDO authentication binds a passkey to a specific platform or series of devices. The simplicity of a passkey makes data access and security protocols easier for both users and your company to manage.
Daon was an early member of the FIDO Alliance and currently serves on the board. We’ve woven FIDO protocols throughout our products as an innovative and effective way to improve identity proofing and ongoing authentication. Our xAuth product is a good example of this use of passkeys and various authentication methods that embrace this strict set of standards. The xAuth portfolio of authentication solutions utilizes device-based physical tokens, FIDO UAF and FIDO2-certified authentication, and more to securely authenticate users.