What Is FIDO U2F? How It Works?

FIDO U2F is an standard open authenticating specification that uses hardware based verification to validate login attempts and credentials using its built-in features with the help of USB or NFC supported devices and if it finds any error, it blocks the login attempts. U2F or Universal 2nd Factor Authentication uses the built-in specific standards of the hardware security keys to authenticate valid login credentials of the real account holders and invalidates the fake or erroneous login attempts.

The invention of FIDO U2F is a great contribution in the field of online security, as it mitigates risks like identity theft, unauthorized access, malicious attacks and other forms of onslaughts. There are several hundreds services and applications integrated with FIDO security alliance.

What Is the Full Form of FIDO?

FIDO stands for “First Identity Online” which is an open source Universal Second Factor(U2F) used to generate tokens with native support in hundreds of application services. Several browsers too support it.

How FIDO U2F Works?

FIDO U2F works through a number of simple steps. You need a device supporting Universal Serial Bus(USB) or Near Field Communication(NFC).

To let it work through USB, just:

1. Enter your name and password to your account.
2. Connect the hardware security key to your device through the USB port.
3. Press the U2F button and you will be able to login.

The working procedure of FIDO U2F security keys is simple and easy to use. Anyone can set up it and use if only the device supports USB or NFC. Just put the security hardware key to your device’s USB port and your site automatically detects it. When it will be detected, enter username and password or 4-digit PIN.

“U2F is an open authentication standard that enables internet users to securely access any number of online services with one single security key instantly and with no drivers or client software needed”

Yubico

Benefits of FIDO U2F

FIDO U2F offers you a lot of benefits if you use its security keys. As the keys are hardware-based, it is almost impossible to log in through a physical device. It can mitigate several online attacks.

To know its benefits, let’s go through the following points:

1. It can run on Linux OS, macOS and Windows
2. Support several forms of authentication including
3. Prevents unauthorized
   1. Login
   2. or Fake Login attempts made by cyber criminals.
   3. Man-in-the-middle-attack
   4. Phishing attacks
   5. Identity theft
   6. Session hijacking
   7. Keylogging
4. Secret key(Private Key) remains secret and does not share over Internet.
5. Does not associate personal data.
6. No need to use SMS text, 2FA apps or 2-factor tokens.
7. Easy to use and works out- of- the -box which means that it can work with native support in various platform, applications and browsers including Mozila Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Brave. You don’t need to type codes or install drivers.
8. Level of security is very strong because it prevents all forms of attacks.
9. Usable with multiple services and accounts with separate key.
10. Use with Universal Serial Bus(USB) or Near Field Communication(NFC) communications—-Whichever is suitable for you.

Also, it supports Yubico Developer Program which the developers can use and integrate.

FIDO U2F Developer Program

FIDO alliance created several validation programs to provide higher level of security to users. Owing increasing cyber threats, many Internet users fall victim to hackers who steal personal data and take over accounts. This is common threat that very often happens to be found. Not only it, but also there used to be happen keylogging, account hijacking, malicious attacks and more. Many developers site too provide accounts for their customers who need strong security. FIDO alliance came forward and developed a security solutions for all kind of users and applications including program developers,too.

Strong Authentication

FIDO alliance created developer programs which developers can learn and integrate. The FIDO developer programs are available for hardware-based strong authentication. Developers can integrate it with apps and web-based applications using the Yubikey SDKs which include both the Mobile SDKs for androids, iOS and Desktop SDK for desktop-based applications.

• WebAuthn
• PGP
• OTP
• OATH
• FIDO2
• PIV
• Mobile SDK
• Device Configuration

Encryption & HSM

YubiHSM2 is a Hardware Security Module with advanced cryptographic keys that secure critical applications, identities, and sensitive data in an enterprise for certificate authorities, databases and code signing.

• OpenPGP
• PIV
• YubiHSM and
• Device Configuration

FIDO U2F is a reliable, secure and open standard authentication protocol that verifies real users through its built-in cryptographic keys and prompts users to log in once the credentials are verified.