FIDO (Fast Identity Online) is a set of open standards that are designed to provide an alternative to traditional passwords for authenticating users online. It was developed by the
FIDO Alliance, a consortium of companies and organizations that includes Google, Microsoft, and other major tech firms.
One of the main problems with traditional passwords is that they can be easy to guess or hack, and users often reuse the same password across multiple accounts, which can make them vulnerable to security breaches. FIDO aims to address these issues by providing a more secure and convenient way to authenticate users.
FIDO works by using a combination of public key cryptography and biometric authentication to verify the identity of a user. When a user attempts to log in to an online service, they are prompted to provide a biometric factor (such as a fingerprint or facial recognition) or to use a physical token (such as a security key). The system then uses the user's biometric factor or security key to generate a unique public key, which is used to authenticate the user.
One of the main benefits of FIDO is that it allows users to authenticate themselves using methods that are more secure than passwords. For example, biometric authentication is difficult to hack or forge, and security keys are physically secure and cannot be easily stolen or copied. Additionally, because FIDO does not rely on the use of passwords, users are not required to remember complex password combinations, which can make it easier for them to use online services securely.
FIDO has been widely adopted by major tech firms and is supported by a wide range of devices and platforms. It is now being used by a growing number of online services, including Google, Microsoft, and many others.
Overall, FIDO represents a significant advancement in the field of online authentication and is likely to play a major role in the future of cybersecurity. By providing a more secure and convenient way to authenticate users, FIDO has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and other types of cyber attacks.