FIDO Alliance’s Guide to Securely Implementing Passkeys in the Corporate Environment

Passkeys: Enhancing Online Security in the Enterprise

Introduction

Passkeys, the latest innovation in online authentication, are revolutionizing the way users sign in to online services and apps. Providing enhanced security against phishing attacks and offering a user-friendly experience, passkeys have garnered significant interest from enterprises worldwide. However, many organizations are still unsure about how to adopt passkeys and determine the right type of passkey for their environment. The FIDO Alliance’s Enterprise Deployment Working Group (EDWG) has addressed these concerns in a new series of papers, aimed at guiding enterprises in leveraging passkeys for different use cases in their environments.

FIDO Alliance and Passkeys

The FIDO Alliance, a consortium of industry leaders working towards enhancing online security, has been at the forefront of promoting passkeys as an alternative to traditional passwords. Passkeys provide a highly secure and convenient authentication method that surpasses the vulnerabilities associated with passwords and other forms of authentication susceptible to phishing attacks.

The FIDO Alliance’s Enterprise Deployment Working Group (EDWG) has developed a series of papers that delve into the various aspects of passkey implementation in enterprise environments. These papers include an introduction to deploying passkeys in the enterprise, replacing password-only authentication with passkeys, high assurance enterprise FIDO authentication, and moderate assurance use cases. The fifth paper in the series, “Displacing Password + SMS OTP Authentication with Passkeys,” is expected to be published later this summer.

Demystifying Passkeys

Andrew Shikiar, the executive director and CMO of the FIDO Alliance, emphasizes the importance of understanding passkeys and their capabilities in enterprise organizations. The papers developed by the FIDO Alliance’s EDWG aim to demystify the concept of passkeys and provide decision points for enterprises looking to leverage them in varying use cases. These papers not only explain the terminology associated with passkeys but also provide valuable insights into the legal and regulatory requirements associated with passkey adoption. Furthermore, they outline the potential cost-saving advantages and increased security posture that passkeys can bring to an organization.

Considerations for Passkeys in the Enterprise Virtual Summit

To further educate and engage enterprises interested in passkey implementation, the FIDO Alliance is hosting the “Authenticate Virtual Summit: Considerations for Passkeys in the Enterprise.” Scheduled for June 29, 2023, this virtual summit offers sessions covering introductory material, considerations for various use cases, and criteria to evaluate how synced passkeys and device-bound passkeys can meet legal, regulatory, and security requirements in enterprise environments.

Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate in this free virtual summit to gain a comprehensive understanding of how passkeys can be integrated into their unique enterprise environments. By attending the summit, participants will gain valuable insights into the implementation process, security considerations, and potential benefits associated with passkey adoption.

Expertise of the Enterprise Deployment Working Group (EDWG)

The FIDO Alliance’s Enterprise Deployment Working Group (EDWG) plays a crucial role in advancing the deployment of FIDO solutions at the enterprise level. Acting as a group of subject matter experts and internal advisors within the FIDO Alliance, the EDWG aims to accelerate enterprise adoption of FIDO solutions and contribute towards the development of a stronger and interoperable authentication ecosystem.

Organizations interested in joining the EDWG and leveraging its expertise can reach out to [email protected] for further information on participation.

The Future of Authentication

The FIDO Alliance’s efforts in promoting passkeys and providing guidance for their adoption in enterprise environments showcase the need for a paradigm shift in authentication methods. Traditional passwords have long been plagued by vulnerabilities, leaving users and organizations susceptible to phishing attacks. Passkeys offer a secure and convenient alternative, greatly reducing the reliance on passwords and increasing online security.

As enterprises contemplate the adoption of passkeys, it is vital to carefully consider their unique requirements, legal obligations, and security needs. Engaging with organizations like the FIDO Alliance and participating in events like the Authenticate Virtual Summit will provide valuable insights and expert guidance throughout the implementation journey.

Conclusion

Passkeys have emerged as a game-changing solution for online authentication in enterprise environments. Backed by the FIDO Alliance, passkeys provide enhanced security against phishing attacks and offer a superior user experience compared to traditional authentication methods. The FIDO Alliance’s Enterprise Deployment Working Group (EDWG) has developed a series of papers addressing the considerations for passkey implementation, providing invaluable insights to enterprises worldwide. By embracing passkeys and engaging with industry experts, organizations can significantly improve their security posture, meet legal and regulatory requirements, and mitigate the costs associated with authentication.