What is FIDO (Fast ID Online)?

If you're like most business professionals, you're frequently required to sign into online accounts and systems using a username and password. This process can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you have to remember multiple usernames and passwords. A new technology called FIDO (Fast Identity Online) aims to make the login process easier and faster for everyone. FIDO is a set of protocols that allow devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets to verify your identity without the need for a username and password. Learn more about FIDO and how it can help improve your online experience below.

What is the history of FIDO?

The FIDO Alliance was formed in 2013 in response to the growing number of data breaches that were caused by weak or stolen passwords. It also needed to address the lack of interoperability between strong authentication technologies, and to reduce the reliance on passwords. The Alliance's goal is to deliver standards-based solutions that enable secure access to any application or service on any device or network. Since then, the consortium has released two significant specifications: UAF (Universal Authentication Framework) and U2F (Universal 2nd Factor). These specifications are designed to work with a variety of devices and platforms, making them more secure and user-friendly than traditional passwords.

As of 2019, the FIDO Alliance had over 250 members, including technology companies, financial institutions, and government agencies. FIDO-compliant products include biometric devices, security keys, and software solutions. The FIDO specifications are available free of charge, and the Alliance offers a certification program to ensure compliance with the standards. FIDO-certified products are available from major technology companies, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Intel.

Few people know that the FIDO Alliance actually has its origins in a finger scanning technology company called Fingerprint Cards, or FPC for short. FPC was founded in 1997 with the aim of commercializing finger scanning technology. The company developed a number of fingerprint scanner products, but it was not until 2013 that it began to develop the technology that would eventually become the basis for the FIDO standard.

In 2014, FPC teamed up with Google and PayPal to form the FIDO Alliance, with the goal of creating an open standard for authentication that could be used by any online service. The FIDO standard is now supported by all major browsers and many leading online services, making it the de facto standard for secure authentication on the web.

Security for your business or organization

Cyberattacks are a constant threat to organizations of all sizes. Protecting your organization against these attacks requires authentication that is quick, efficient and hassle-free. Feel free to chat with us about cybersecurity for your business.