WebAuthnFIDO2standardi

WebAuthnFIDO2standardi refers to the Web Authentication (WebAuthn) API and the FIDO2 security model. These are the core components of the FIDO Alliance's latest set of open standards designed to provide passwordless authentication for web applications and services. The goal is to enhance security and user experience by moving away from traditional password-based authentication, which is often vulnerable to phishing, credential stuffing, and other attacks.

WebAuthn is a web API that allows web applications to leverage public-key cryptography for authentication. It enables users to authenticate to a website or application using strong, phishing-resistant authentication methods such as biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition) or external security keys (like YubiKey). This is achieved through a client-side implementation that generates cryptographic key pairs unique to each website or service. The public key is registered with the service, and the private key is stored securely on the user's device or authenticator. During login, the service challenges the user, and the authenticator uses the private key to sign the challenge, proving the user's identity without transmitting any secrets over the network.

FIDO2 encompasses both the WebAuthn API and the Client-to-Authenticator Protocol (CTAP). CTAP allows web browsers and operating systems to communicate with external authenticators, such as USB, NFC, or Bluetooth security keys. Together, WebAuthn and FIDO2 provide a robust framework for strong authentication, aiming to replace passwords entirely and significantly reduce the risk of account compromise. Major browsers and platforms have adopted support for WebAuthn, making it a growing standard for modern online security.