FIDO Protocols and Standards Flashcards

Which protocol is the foundation of FIDO authentication?

Answer: FIDO UAF

FIDO UAF (Universal Authentication Framework) was one of the original FIDO specifications, designed to enable passwordless authentication using various on-device authenticators like biometrics or PINs. It laid the groundwork for secure, multi-factor authentication directly from a user's device, eliminating the need for traditional passwords. This protocol established the core principles of FIDO's approach to strong, user-friendly authentication.

Which FIDO protocol enables two-factor authentication with security keys?

Answer: FIDO U2F

FIDO U2F (Universal Second Factor) is a specific FIDO protocol designed to add a strong second factor to existing password-based logins. It primarily uses external security keys (like USB, NFC, or Bluetooth devices) to provide cryptographic proof of user presence. This significantly enhances security against phishing and other online attacks by requiring a physical token in addition to a password.

What is the main feature of FIDO2?

Answer: It enables passwordless authentication

FIDO2 is the latest generation of FIDO specifications, building upon its predecessors to enable robust passwordless authentication experiences across various platforms and devices. By integrating with web browsers and operating systems via WebAuthn, FIDO2 allows users to log in securely using biometrics, PINs, or external security keys without ever typing a password. This eliminates the vulnerabilities associated with passwords and improves user convenience.

Which standard is associated with FIDO2 authentication?

Answer: WebAuthn

WebAuthn (Web Authentication) is a core component of FIDO2, developed by the FIDO Alliance and W3C. It defines a standard web API that allows web applications to integrate FIDO authentication directly into browsers and operating systems. This enables strong, phishing-resistant, and passwordless authentication experiences for users across the web.

Which organization maintains the FIDO standards?

Answer: FIDO Alliance

The FIDO Alliance is an open industry association dedicated to developing and promoting open, royalty-free standards for simpler, stronger authentication. It was founded to address the lack of interoperability among strong authentication devices and to reduce the world's over-reliance on passwords. The Alliance continues to evolve and maintain the FIDO specifications, ensuring their widespread adoption and effectiveness.

Which technology does FIDO use to enhance authentication security?

Answer: Public-key cryptography

FIDO authentication fundamentally relies on public-key cryptography, also known as asymmetric cryptography. This technology uses a pair of mathematically linked keys – a private key stored securely on the user's device and a public key registered with the online service – to cryptographically prove user identity without transmitting any secrets. This design makes FIDO highly resistant to credential theft and phishing.