An Introduction to FIDO2 Passkeys

In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding user identities is more critical than ever. Traditional passwords, once the backbone of digital security, have been a long-standing standard for authentication. Recently however, they have also become one of the most exploited tools in cybersecurity. For IT and security teams, the high volume of password-related breaches, password-reset support tickets, and the increased sophistication of phishing attacks reveal a clear need for a more robust and user-friendly alternative. This is the motivation behind FIDO2 passkeys—a modern, passwordless solution that offers enhanced security and an improved user experience.

This post introduces FIDO2 passkeys and explains how they work to solve a very real problem today. Whether you’re an IT manager, security executive, or someone new to the topic, understanding FIDO2 passkeys is crucial for any modern security strategy and operational model. With major tech providers and platforms adopting FIDO2 standards, passkeys are quickly becoming a trusted standard for secure authentication across many industries and use cases.

The Case for Password-less Authentication & FIDO Passkeys

The concept of passwordless authentication has gained significant momentum in recent years, offering a promising alternative to traditional, password-based security mechanisms. Passwordless authentication allows users to log in without the need for passwords, addressing some of the most pervasive challenges in today’s security landscape. Password-based systems are notoriously vulnerable to attacks such as phishing, credential stuffing, and brute force attempts, all of which can lead to data breaches and account compromises. Moreover, managing passwords can be cumbersome for both users and IT teams, with issues like password fatigue, frequent resets, and the need to remember complex, unique passwords for each service. As such, enterprises need to look beyond passwords for stronger and more user-friendly security solutions.

Passwordless solutions leverage alternative authentication factors, like biometrics, tokens, or cryptographic keys, which are significantly harder for attackers to compromise. They are resistant to phishing, one of the most common forms of cyberattack today by ensuring that even if an attacker intercepts the authentication process, they cannot gain access because there’s no password to steal or trick users into sharing.

FIDO2 is a set of standards and protocols created by the FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The FIDO Alliance is an association bringing together industry leaders to create open standards for stronger, passwordless authentication mechanisms. The standards allow for passwordless and multi-factor authentication through the WebAuthn API and Client to Authenticator Protocol (CTAP), creating a path to stronger security without the vulnerabilities of passwords. FIDO2 Passkeys are a type of credential based on the FIDO2 standards.

How do FIDO2 Passkeys Work?

FIDO2 Passkeys function as a replacement for passwords by using asymmetric cryptographic key pairs – comprising a public key and a private key – to authenticate users to digital services. The private key is stored on the user’s device and the public key is stored on the server. This method is phishing-resistant and immune to man-in-the-middle, and replay attacks because the private key never leaves the user’s device, and authentication occurs without transmitting sensitive information. The major platform vendors like Apple, Google and Microsoft support FIDO2 passkeys today and continue to invest heavily in the standard. Here are some key steps:

• Key Pair Generation: When a user registers with an application or service, a key pair is generated – a public key stored by the service and a private key stored securely on the user’s device or hardware authenticator.
• Authentication Process: During login, the user authenticates using their private key, which never leaves their device. Instead, the device signs a challenge sent by the application or service, which verifies the user’s identity using the public key stored in its system.
• Multi-Device Support: Passkeys can often be synchronized across a user’s devices, simplifying authentication in scenarios where users access resources from multiple devices.

Unlike traditional authentication methods, such as passwords or one-time passcodes, FIDO passkeys offer several critical advantages including:

1. Phishing Resistance: Without passwords, there is no risk of phishing or credential theft.
2. Simplified User Experience: Users can authenticate through biometrics or a hardware token, eliminating password management hassles.
3. Stronger Security: The private key remains on the device, making it resistant to attacks like credential stuffing or interception.
4. Multi-Device Support: Passkeys can work across multiple devices, providing a seamless experience for users while maintaining strong security.

Conclusion

Adopting FIDO2 passkeys is a strategic investment in security and user experience, helping organizations enhance protection against modern threats as well as reduce security risks, streamline IT processes, and improve compliance with regulatory standards. Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog covering key considerations for IT and Security teams interested in adopting FIDO2 passkeys and how Omnissa can help your organization benefit from embracing this new authentication standard.