The internet requires users to confirm their identity to log-on and access many online accounts and services. Current password authentication is weak due to reuse, malware and phishing and leaves enterprises and end-users vulnerable to financial and identity theft. FIDOs standards-based approach detects when a FIDO-enabled device is present and allows users to replace passwords with authentication methods.
The FIDO standard will support a range of technologies, including biometrics such as fingerprint scanners, voice and facial recognition, as well as existing authentication solutions and communications standards, such as Trusted Platform Modules (TPM), USB Security Tokens, Near Field Communication (NFC), One Time Passwords (OTP). The FIDO protocol allows the interaction of technologies within a single infrastructure, enabling security options to be tailored to the distinct needs of each user and organization.
The FIDO Alliances objective is to be all-inclusive, embracing both existing and new authentication methods and hardware with the FIDO open protocol. FIDO-compliant smartphones, tablets, computers and laptops can replace password dependency and exposure of sensitive user information by providing user credentials when theyre required. 50 billion internet-connected devices are predicted to be in the marketplace by 2020, according to Cisco Systems.
The FIDO Alliance was formed in July 2012 to address the lack of interoperability among authentication technologies and remedy the problems users face with creating and remembering multiple usernames and passwords. The Alliance plans to change the nature of authentication by developing standards-based specifications that define an open, scalable, interoperable set of mechanisms that supplant reliance on passwords to easily and securely authenticate users of online services.
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