What Is FIDO2? Understanding the Standard Behind Passwordless Authentication

Why Passwords Are No Longer Enough

Passwords used to be the primary way we logged into everything. Today, they are one of the biggest security risks. Most cyberattacks start with stolen or guessed credentials, and even two-factor authentication (like SMS codes) can be intercepted or tricked through phishing.

To fix this problem, the tech industry agreed on a new solution: remove passwords entirely. That solution is FIDO2.

What Is FIDO2?

FIDO2 is a modern authentication standard created by the FIDO Alliance and W3C (World Wide Web Consortium).

Instead of asking users to remember something (like a password), FIDO2 uses something they have or are — such as:

• A fingerprint
• Face recognition
• A smart card
• A USB or NFC security key

With FIDO2, logging in becomes as simple as unlocking your device.

What Is a Passkey?

You may have seen the word “Passkey” used by Apple, Google, and Microsoft. It’s simply a friendly name for a FIDO2 credential.
A passkey replaces your password with:

• A biometric confirmation (fingerprint, Face ID, Windows Hello)
• Or a hardware authenticator (security key or smart card)

No typing. No codes. No phishing risk.

How FIDO2 Works — In Simple Terms

1. You register once using a biometric or a security key.
2. Your device creates a unique cryptographic key for that website or service.
3. The private part of the key stays safely on your device — it is never shared.
4. When you log in again, you just confirm with a fingerprint, PIN or card tap, and the system verifies your identity automatically.

There is no password to steal or reuse.

Why FIDO2 Is More Secure Than Passwords

• It prevents phishing — there’s no code or password to trick you into entering.
• It removes weak or reused passwords entirely.
• It eliminates password resets, forgotten logins, and support tickets.
• It works across devices and platforms, as long as the authenticator is available.

Passkeys vs Security Keys — Which Is Better?

There are two ways to use FIDO2:

• Passkeys stored in your phone or cloud account — good for everyday personal use.
• Smart cards or USB tokens — best for companies that need strict access control.

Both are secure, but hardware-based authentication is still the strongest option when it comes to protecting corporate systems, healthcare data, banking platforms, or government access

Where FIDO2 Is Being Adopted

FIDO2 is already supported by:

• Apple, Google, Microsoft
• Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge
• Azure AD, Okta, Google Workspace
• Banking, healthcare, education, telecom, government

It is quickly becoming the new default for login security.

Conclusion — FIDO2 Is the Standard of the Future

Passwords are not just inconvenient — they are dangerous. FIDO2 solves this problem by replacing passwords entirely with fast, secure, biometric or hardware-based login.

Whether you use a passkey on your phone or a smart card plugged into your laptop, the experience is the same: one simple confirmation instead of typing a password.

Looking for Custom FIDO2 Smart Cards or Secure Access Badges?

If your organization is moving toward passwordless authentication and needs professional-grade physical credentials, we can help.

Corona Print provides FIDO2-compatible smart cards, NFC badges and secure access media for enterprise deployments.

Contact us today to get started.