Netiquette IQ Definition of the Day - FIDO

FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Whatis.com

Part of the Authentication glossary:

FIDO (Fast ID Online) is an open standard for a secure and easy-to-use universal authentication interface created to address the lack of interoperability among strong authentication devices.

The FIDO standard supports multifactor authentication and strong features like biometrics. FIDO stores supporting data in a smartphone to eliminate the need for multiple passwords. FIDO is much like an encrypted virtual container of strong authentication elements including: biometrics, USB security tokens, Near Field Communication (NFC), Trusted Platform Modules, embedded secure elements, smartcards and Bluetooth. Data from authentication sources is used for the local key, while the requesting service gets a separate login to keep user data private.

 FIDO works through two different protocols for two different user experiences. The Universal Authentication Framework (UAF) protocol allows the user to register an enabled device with a FIDO-ready server or website. Users authenticate on their devices with fingerprints or PINs, for example, and log in to the server using a secure public key. The Universal Second Factor (U2F) protocol is designed to authenticate users with a strong second factor, such as a USB touchscreen key or an NFC tap on a mobile device.

 FIDO's local storage of biometrics and other personal identification is intended to ease user concerns about personal data stored on an external server or in the cloud. By abstracting the protocol implementation, FIDO also reduces the work required for developers to create secure logins.

FIDO is developed by the FIDO Alliance, a non-profit organization formed in 2012.  Alliance board-level members include ARM, Blackberry, Google, Master Card, Microsoft, PayPal, Samsung, Synaptics and Visa.

===============================
In addition to this blog, I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, "Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at:

 www.amazon.com/author/paulbabicki

 If you would like to listen to experts in all aspects of Netiquette and communication, try my radio show on BlogtalkRadio  and an online newsletter via paper.li.I have established Netiquette discussion groups with Linkedin and  Yahoo.  I am also a member of the International Business Etiquette and Protocol Group and Minding Manners among others. I regularly consult for the Gerson Lehrman Group, a worldwide network of subject matter experts and I have been contributing to the blogs Everything Email and emailmonday . My work has appeared in numerous publications and I have presented to groups such as The Breakfast Club of NJ Rider University and  PSG of Mercer County New Jersey.
==========================================