FIDO2 is a set of standards for strong authentication that supports phishing-resistant and passwordless login using public-key cryptography. It matters because modern authentication needs stronger alternatives to reusable passwords and phishable shared secrets.
What is FIDO2?
FIDO2 combines standards such as WebAuthn and CTAP to let users authenticate with security keys, platform authenticators, and passkey-style credentials. It enables strong cryptographic proof without exposing reusable passwords to the service directly.
What FIDO2 Commonly Supports
Common uses include passwordless login, phishing-resistant MFA, hardware-backed authentication, passkeys, and stronger enterprise access controls.
FIDO2 vs. Legacy Password-Based Authentication
Legacy password authentication relies on reusable shared secrets. FIDO2 uses public-key cryptography and stronger client-side authenticators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is FIDO2 important?
Because it enables significantly stronger protection against phishing and credential reuse than traditional passwords.
Is FIDO2 only for hardware keys?
No. It can also work with platform authenticators and passkeys on supported devices.
