
FIDO stands for Fast Identity Online. It is a compliance protocol that uses Public Key Authentication with asymmetric cryptography. FIDO compliance offers users the advantage of passwordless login experiences across various devices. This approach not only enhances security but also speeds up the login process. By adopting this futuristic method, users can enjoy a seamless and improved login experience.

## Why FIDO2? {#why-fido2}

### The Problem of Weak Passwords and Data Breaches

Weak passwords are a major vulnerability, leading to frequent data breaches. FIDO2 addresses this by eliminating passwords altogether and using strong cryptographic keys for authentication. This significantly enhances security, making it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access. It's a game-changer in the fight against cyber threats.

### FIDO2 and its Importance {#fido-and-its-importance}

FIDO2 is a groundbreaking authentication standard that eliminates the need for passwords, using strong cryptographic keys instead. This enhances security by making it extremely difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access. Its importance lies in 
- Providing a more secure, 
- User-friendly, and 
- Scalable solution for online authentication.

It significantly reduces the risk of data breaches.

## What is FIDO2 and How Does It Work? {#what-is-fido2}

### Defining FIDO2 and its Core Components {#defining-fido2-and-its-core-components}

FIDO2 (Fast IDentity Online 2) is an open standard for user authentication that aims to eliminate the need for passwords by using strong cryptographic keys. This enhances security and user experience by making it extremely difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

**Core Components of FIDO2:**

**1. WebAuthn:** A web standard published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that defines a standard web API for creating and using strong, attested cryptographic credentials in web applications.

**2. CTAP (Client to Authenticator Protocol):** A protocol developed by the FIDO Alliance that allows external devices (like security keys or smartphones) to communicate with a client (like a web browser) for authentication purposes.

![Core Components of FIDO2](/blog/assets/2024/fido-components.webp)

The FIDO Alliance, a consortium of tech giants including Microsoft, Google, and PayPal, along with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), are the primary organizations behind the development and promotion of FIDO2.

FIDO2 has set a benchmark for online authentication by providing a more secure, user-friendly, and scalable solution.

### Public Key Cryptography and FIDO2 Authentication Process {#public-key-cryptography-and-fido2-authentication-process}

Public key cryptography uses a pair of keys—one public and one private—to encrypt and decrypt data, ensuring secure communication. FIDO2 authentication enhances security by using hardware-based authenticators and public key cryptography to verify user identity without relying on passwords. This combination provides a robust defense against phishing and other cyber threats.

### Types of Authenticators (Built-in vs. External) {#types-of-authentication}

Choosing the right authenticator depends on the balance between security and convenience. For everyday use, built-in authenticators like biometrics are great. For high-security needs, external authenticators like hardware tokens are preferable.

#### **Built-in Authenticators** {#built-in-authentication}

**1. Biometric Authentication:** Uses unique biological traits like fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans. It's highly secure and convenient since it's integrated into devices like smartphones and laptops.

**2. Password/PIN:** Traditional method where users enter a secret code. It's simple but less secure due to vulnerability to attacks like phishing and brute force.

**3. Device-based Authentication:** Utilizes the device itself as an authenticator, such as a trusted device or a hardware token embedded in the device.

#### **External Authenticators** {#external-authentication}

**1. Hardware Tokens:** Physical devices like USB keys (e.g., YubiKey) that generate a one-time password (OTP) or use cryptographic keys. They offer high security but can be inconvenient to carry around.

**2. Software Tokens:** Apps like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, miniOrange Authenticator, and Authy that generate OTPs. They are convenient and secure but rely on the security of the device they are installed on.

**3. Smart Cards:** Physical cards with embedded chips used for authentication. They are secure and often used in corporate environments but require card readers.

**4. SMS/Email OTP:** Sends a one-time password to the user's phone or email. It's easy to use but less secure due to risks like SIM swapping and email hacking.

#### Key Differences

|Aspect | Built-in Authenticators | External Authenticators |
|--------|-------------------------|-------------------------|
| Convenience | Highly convenient, integrated into devices | May require additional hardware or steps |
| Security | Generally secure, but varies (e.g., passwords are less secure) | Typically higher security, especially hardware tokens |
| Usability | User-friendly, no extra devices needed | Might need users to carry additional hardware |

### FIDO2 and Biometric Authentication {#fido2-and-biometric-authentication}

FIDO2 is an open authentication standard that enables [passwordless login](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/solutions/passwordless-authentication) using biometrics or security keys. It combines the [WebAuthn](https://www.miniorange.com/webauthn) API and CTAP protocol to provide strong, phishing-resistant authentication. Biometric authentication in FIDO2 leverages unique physical characteristics like fingerprints or facial features for user verification. This approach enhances security by eliminating password-related vulnerabilities and improving the user experience. FIDO2 with biometrics is increasingly adopted by major platforms and services to strengthen identity protection.

### FIDO2 vs. FIDO vs. WebAuthn {#fido2-vs-fido-vs-webauthn}

|Aspect | FIDO | FIDO2 | WebAuthn |
|-------|------|------|-----------|
| Purpose | Authentication standard for passwordless login | Improved version of FIDO includes WebAuthn | Web standard for passwordless authentication |
| Year Introduced | 2013 | 2018 | 2018 |
| Passwordless | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Biometric support | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Browser integration | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware token support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web compatibility | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop compatibility | Limited | Yes | Yes |

## Benefits and Use Cases of FIDO2 {#benefits-and-use-cases-of-fido2}

### Advantages of FIDO2

- Significantly improves security by eliminating password-related vulnerabilities as passwords are not involved.
- Enhances user experience through faster, easier logins
- Reduces costs associated with password management and resets
- Protects user privacy by keeping biometric data on the user's device

### FIDO2 Use Cases and Case Studies

Major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook have implemented FIDO2 for secure, passwordless logins. Banks and financial institutions, including Bank of America, PayPal, and Mastercard, use FIDO2 to reduce fraud and enhance security. Government agencies, such as the UK government and the U.S. Department of Defense, have adopted FIDO2 for secure access and data protection. Popular email providers, e-commerce platforms, and social media sites are also integrating FIDO2 to improve security and streamline user experiences.

## Challenges in FIDO2 Adoption and Future Trends Forecast {#challanges-in-fido2-adaptation-and-future-trends}

### Challenges in Adoption of FIDO2 {#challanges-in-fido2-adaptation}

1\. One of the key challenges in FIDO2 adoption is the need for widespread user education, as many individuals may be unfamiliar with the concepts of passwordless authentication and the benefits it offers.

2\. Integrating FIDO2 authentication across diverse hardware and software platforms can be complex, requiring coordination between various vendors and service providers to ensure seamless implementation.

3\. Robust backup and account recovery mechanisms are essential for FIDO2 adoption, as users may lose their security keys or face other device-related issues, necessitating a reliable and user-friendly process to regain access to their accounts.

4\. Regulatory and compliance requirements may vary across different industries and regions, making it necessary for organizations to carefully navigate the landscape and ensure their FIDO2 implementation aligns with relevant standards and guidelines.

5\. As FIDO2 gains momentum, future trends may include the integration of biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to provide an even more convenient and secure user experience, while also addressing potential concerns around the storage and privacy of biometric data.

### Innovative Trends in FIDO2 {#innovative-trends-in-fido2}

FIDO2 adoption is expected to grow rapidly as more organizations prioritize passwordless authentication. New FIDO2 use cases will emerge in IoT, with secure device onboarding and management. FIDO2 will integrate with blockchain technologies to enable decentralized identity and access control. Mobile devices will increasingly leverage FIDO2 biometrics for seamless authentication across apps and services. Enterprise cloud services will widely adopt FIDO2 to enhance security and user experience. FIDO2 will enable secure, standards-based passwordless login for web applications.

Governments will leverage FIDO2 to modernize digital identity programs and e-services. The integration of FIDO2 with smart home and building automation systems will improve IoT security. Cryptocurrency exchanges and DeFi platforms will utilize FIDO2 to protect digital assets. Widespread FIDO2 deployment will drive the decline of legacy password-based authentication.

## FIDO2 Implementation and Adoption {#fido2-implementation-and-adoption}

### FIDO2 Implementation Steps {#fido2-implementation-steps}

Implementing FIDO2 is essential to elevate security and achieve passwordless security. These are the steps to implement it for enterprise applications.

**1. Assess Compatibility:** Ensure your website or application is compatible with the FIDO2 standard by checking the technical requirements and supported features.

**2. Enable FIDO2 on Popular Websites:** Implement FIDO2 authentication on popular websites and platforms that offer this functionality, such as Microsoft, Google, and social media platforms.

**3. Choose Authenticators:** Select the appropriate FIDO2 authenticators, such as security keys, biometric readers, or mobile devices, based on your users' preferences and security needs.

**4. Integrate FIDO2:** Integrate the FIDO2 authentication flow into your application's user registration and login processes, following the recommended implementation guidelines.

**5. Educate Users:** Provide clear instructions and guidance to your users on how to set up and use FIDO2 authentication for a seamless experience.

**6. Monitor and Maintain:** Regularly monitor the FIDO2 implementation, address any issues, and keep up with the latest updates and best practices.

### How Can FIDO2 Improve Online Life? {#how-can-fido2-improve-online-life}

FIDO2 eliminates the need for passwords, improving security and convenience by using biometrics or security keys for authentication. It protects against phishing and other credential theft attacks, as it uses cryptographic keys that cannot be replicated. Also, it increases privacy by keeping personal biometric data local on the user's device without sharing it with websites.

FIDO2 dispels the misconception that strong security is difficult, as it offers a simple, user-friendly authentication experience. Additionally, it addresses fears about losing access to accounts, as users can easily recover access by registering new security keys. It encourages adoption by being an open standard, with support from major tech companies and widespread integration across online services. FIDO2 enhances online life by providing a seamless, secure authentication experience that reduces the burden of managing numerous passwords.

Begin your journey in creating passwordless login experiences with miniOrange. Explore miniOrange [passwordless authentication solutions](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/solutions/passwordless-authentication) today.

Learn about FIDO2 for passwordless authentication with stronger security and faster login. Simplify login experiences with FIDO2.

What is FIDO2 Web Authentication, and How Does it Secure Identities?


### What is the 23 NYCRR Part 500? {#what-is-the-23-nycrr-part-500}
The[ NYDFS CyberSecurity Regulation Guidelines](https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/Cybersecurity_Requirements_Financial_Services_23NYCRR500.pdf), released on March 1 2017, are a set of regulations from the New York Department of Financial Services that places new cybersecurity requirements on financial institutions. These new guidelines under 23 NYCRR Part 500 affected licensed lenders, state-chartered banks, trust companies, service contract providers, private bankers, mortgage companies, insurance firms doing business in New York, non-U.S. banks licensed to operate in New York, and many other organizations, which now have to comply with these additional Cybersecurity Requirements.  

These NYDFS Cybersecurity guidelines focus more on a cybersecurity program risk assessment which determines an entity’s best practices and policies to mitigate security risks. Identity and Access Management (IAM) in the form of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or equivalent measures, is now required by the NYDFS. Specifically, section 500.1 defines MFA as follows:  

“Multi-Factor Authentication means authentication through verification of at least two of the following types of authentication factors: (1) Knowledge factors, such as a password; or (2) Possession factors, such as a token or text message on a mobile phone; or (3) Inherence factors, such as a biometric characteristic.”  

Additional sections that are pertinent to effective IAM include:  
“Risk-Based Authentication means any risk-based system of authentication that detects anomalies or changes in the normal use patterns of a Person and requires additional verification of the Person’s identity when such deviations or changes are detected, such as through the use of challenge questions.”  

NYDFS also describes how each Covered Entity needs to implement and maintain cybersecurity regulation policies. One of the areas explicitly covered as part of the cybersecurity policies relates to access controls and identity management. Covered Entities must prove they have effective IAM measures in place to eliminate or reduce unauthorized access to sensitive information by hackers, phishers, insiders, or third parties.  

According to these new cybersecurity guidelines by the NYDFS, IAM becomes the most important factor to protect huge customer and business information. So implementing MFA, Lifecycle Management and other solutions can help organizations to ensure that they comply with these new guidelines.

 

### Why is 23 NYCRR Part 500 needed? {#why-is-23-nycrr-part-500-needed}
To prevent data breaches, cyber security threats & unauthorized access. These cybersecurity guidelines help organizations secure their environment from different cyber security threats to protect all types of data.
 

### How can miniOrange help you? {#how-can-miniorange-help-you} 

&nbsp;  


| Regulation Requirement | How miniOrange can help |
| ---------------------- | ----------------------- |
| 500.02- Cybersecurity Program,  (b)(1)–Covered Entities must identify and assess internal/external cybersecurity risks | • miniOrange provides detailed data reporting of all different types of authentications done across cloud, mobile, web and on-premise applications. |
| | • miniOrange’s system also detects suspicious login/location/user etc. and forces such anomalous events to authenticate again through multiple ways, to prevent threats to cybersecurity. |
| 500.06 – Audit trail, (a)(1) – logging, (a)(2)–a Covered Entity’s audit trails must be designed to detect and respond to cybersecurity suspicious events | • miniOrange provides detailed data reporting of all different types of authentications done across cloud, mobile, web and on-premise applications.
| | • miniOrange’s system also detects suspicious login/location/user etc. and forces such anomalous events to authenticate again through multiple ways.
| | • Admin or Super-admins can take action based on suspicious detected events, such as prompting for step-up authentication, limiting or revoking access, changing user group membership, and more. |
| 500.07- Access Privileges- Covered Entity shall limit user access to Nonpublic Information and shall periodically review such access privileges | • Sophisticated lifecycle management ensures the permitted level of access to the right applications.
| | • Covered entities can easily set access and entitlement rules based on attributes, such as user group membership.
| | • miniOrange provides visibility into who has access to which data via simple access governance that offers the ability to see all users who have access to specific applications. |
| 500.09- Risk Assessment by covered entities | • miniOrange provides detailed data reporting of all different types of authentications done across cloud, mobile, web and on-premise applications.
| | • miniOrange’s system also detects suspicious login/location/user etc. and forces such anomalous events to authenticate again through multiple ways. |
| 500.12- Multi-Factor Authentication | • miniOrange provides 15+ MFA methods including adaptive MFA for intelligent, contextual access based on user location and device attributes.
| | • miniOrange’s flexible policy framework allows for step-up authentication based on risk-based user or device context such as anomalous location, brute force attempts, etc.
| | • miniOrange’s flexible and granular policy framework allows different MFA policies for different user types including admins, users, and third parties (contractors and partners, etc.).
| | • miniOrange’s multiple network zone support allows policies to be defined for access from outside your firm’s network. |
| 500.14- Training and Monitoring- Covered Entity shall implement risk-based policies, procedures and controls designed to monitor the activity  provide regular cybersecurity awareness training | • miniOrange’s detailed data reporting of all different types of authentications done across cloud, mobile, web and on-premise applications which also detects suspicious login/location/user etc. and forces such anomalous events to authenticate again through multiple ways.
| | • Anomalous events are surfaced in the syslog and include brute force detections, anomalous login/location/client detections, low reputation network login detections, and more. |  

&nbsp;  

miniOrange provides [Identity and Access Management](https://www.miniorange.com/what-is-iam-identity-and-access-management) services quickly for the management of information such as users, organizations, devices, services, etc., and in a very cost-effective manner to its customers.  

With miniOrange IAM systems, you do not need to worry about administrative overheads. We provide IAM services, which take care of your security, administrative, access management and help you focus on your core business.  

&nbsp;  


- The identity and access management policy, including the responsibilities and accountabilities, should be defined, approved, and implemented.
    - An Identity and access management solution which is highly flexible to fit into any organization’s policy or workflow as per the customer requirements and existing setup.
    - Centralized, simple management and synchronization of identities for users, devices, and things. Can integrate with any system and enhance authentication and authorization capabilities with multiple protocols and connectors for web apps, mobile apps, thick-client applications, etc. Highly flexible and therefore able to fit almost any use case.  

&nbsp;  

- Compliance with the identity and access policy should be monitored.
    - miniOrange generates real-time reports for high-level usage summary, per user summary, user authentication, active usage report, etc. to monitor the user activities across the applications.
    - Logs are saved for monitoring, debugging issues, recovery, etc. miniOrange can integrate with your SIEM tools for real-time monitoring of the organization’s Information security systems.  

&nbsp;  

- The effectiveness of the cybersecurity controls within the identity and access management policy should be measured and periodically evaluated.
    - All users are given controlled access to the applications with the help of multi-factor authentication during Single Sign-on. miniOrange provides multiple parameters for adaptive authentication such as restriction based on IP, device, location, time for proper evaluation of user before giving access.
    - The administrator can receive updates/ alerts for any behavior change of the user.
    - You can create multiple groups for different levels of users and have access policies depending on the groups. Any new user can be added to the appropriate groups and he will be provisioned to the allowed application of that specific group.
    - Any inappropriate access can be easily revoked at any point in time.  
		
&nbsp;  

- The identity and access management policy should include
    - business requirements for access control (i.e., need-to-have and need-to-know);
        - You can create user/group access policies for your applications based on the role and requirements of each user/group.
        - Users can access their respective applications with one click from the miniOrange dashboard without having to log in every time.
    - User access management (e.g., joiners, movers, leavers):
        - Users can be added to the system with any of the following methods –
            - Manual addition of Users/Vendors.
            - Bulk upload of users and groups using the CSV upload method.
            - Connect to your existing Identity provider ( eg. Okta, OneLogin, Keycloak, ADFS, etc.)
            - Connect to AD/LDAP
            - Use your existing database as an identity store ( My-SQL, MS-SQL, etc.)
            - Provision your users through your HR management system.  

&nbsp;  

- To streamline the process of assigning and managing the user access rights, miniOrange provides an automated user access management system. This will aid in time management and allow administrators to take faster and quick action against any security breaches and prevent improper user activity.centralization of the identity and access management function;  

&nbsp;  

- Provisioning and Deprovisioning are handled in one place using a centralized identity and access management system. IT resources are centrally controlled with miniOrange IAM services, and users can access all apps and tools from a single dashboard with the convenience of a single sign-on. Click to learn more multi-factor authentication for sensitive and critical systems and profiles;  

&nbsp;  

- miniOrange provides 15+ authentication methods and solutions for various use cases. This additional layer prevents unauthorized persons from the resources, even if they know your username and password, thus protecting sensitive and critical information. Click to learn more. privileged and remote access management, which should address:
    - the allocation and restricted use of privileged and remote access, specifying:
        - multi-factor authentication should be used for all remote access;
            - MFA provides an extra layer of security for remote access. MFA for remote access will prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing critical data while also improving the organization’s overall security strategy.multi-factor authentication should be used for privilege access on critical systems based on a risk assessment;  

&nbsp;   


miniOrange provides the facility of multi-factor authentication to be used on privileged access. This secures your repositories, logs, and administrator account by ensuring that only authorized workers have access to your privileged account passwords.


Learn about the latest NYDS Cybersecurity Regulation, how it is achieved within an organization with principles around data security, security policies, and much more.

What is FIDO2 Web Authentication, and How Does it Secure Identities?

How does miniOrange help organizations to comply with NYDFS Cyber Security Guidelines?