Password is one layer of authentication; a biometric or SMS authentication makes it 2 factor authentication, or 2FA. The 2nd layer makes your resource secure enough to prevent phishing attacks and unauthorized access. But, with SMS being a second factor, messages are unencrypted and can be hacked, hence enabling the attacker to hack into your system.
Despite that challenge, 2FA is a secure method of authentication. However, we're always looking to eliminate even the smallest of challenges. We all like things being a piece of cake. Call it laziness, but hey! It only makes things more efficient. You can't argue with that.
Speaking of 'piece of cake', what if 2FA could actually be made one? If you can have a device like a USB key that you can insert into your system and get authenticated, you wouldn't have to enter codes sent to your mobile. All you need to do is insert the key, and you're all authorized. Good news, universal 2nd factor(U2F) security key does it all, and better news, it prevents unauthorized access better than regular 2FA. (We'll see how it does so, in a while)
What is U2F?
Universal 2nd factor (U2F) is an open authentication standard using physical keys to provide strong, phishing-resistant two-factor authentication.This standard aims to address the vulnerabilities associated with traditional password-based authentication systems. There's more. It does so while offering a user-friendly and interoperable solution.
Now, what are U2F security keys?
U2F security keys are small hardware devices, typically in the form of USB dongles or NFC-enabled devices, that serve as a second factor of authentication. They use public-key cryptography to verify a user's identity and protect against unauthorized access to online accounts. These keys provide a level of security that significantly surpasses traditional methods like SMS codes or software tokens.
Why do you need U2F?
Enhanced security- phishing resistance, improved 2FA
In 2FA, a common 2nd layer is an SMS or biometric authentication. We know that SMSes are unencrypted hence vulnerable. Biometric authentication is a strong security measure; why do we still need U2F? Well, when it comes to phishing attacks, we can't be so sure biometric authentication prevents the same. Now that's because there's still a chance of spoofing using fake fingerprints or face masks to impersonate the user.
U2F keys use public key cryptography and origin binding to prevent attackers from impersonating the user or authenticating as them. Most importantly, U2F requires physical access to the security key, and since it's only you with the key, no one can really get to your account.
Apart from phishing, U2F also secures your systems against man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking, and malware. Now, you can sleep well at night knowing these online threats are at bay.
Convenience
Setting up the U2F security keys can take a little while (We will get to setting them up in a while), but once you set it up, all you need to do is insert it into your device, into the USB port, or tap it against an NFC- enabled device. See, it's just like how you'd insert a flash drive or your charger into the USB port of your laptop.
It is quite a win-win. You get to keep most threats and attacks at bay, and all you need to do is set up a key and plug it into your device as you drink your coffee. Well, just don't spill it on the key or your device.
Cross-platform compatibility
Like discussed, U2F keys support USB connectivity, and we also know USB ports are available in most devices. Another win-win this gives you is the broad compatibility. However, some models do support NFC or USB-C for mobile devices as well.
This universality allows you to access your accounts and services securely from any compatible device, ticking both the security and the convenience checkboxes. The cross-platform nature of U2F keys also facilitates backup and recovery options, since you can register multiple keys for your accounts.
No Reliance on Mobile Networks
Unlike SMS-based systems, U2F security keys don't require cellular connectivity, and this gets rid of any vulnerabilities with respect to SMS interception. These keys communicate directly with online services through your device, using a challenge-response mechanism that occurs locally. The authentication process involves the service sending a cryptographic challenge, which the key signs using its internal private key. Now, the signed response is verified by the service.
U2F keys contain a secure element that stores private keys and performs all cryptographic operations internally, ensuring that sensitive information never leaves the device. Many U2F keys can also function offline, allowing for secure access to encrypted files or applications without network connectivity.
Protection Against Credential Stuffing
Before we get to how U2F keeps this attack at bay, let's answer this trivial question here. What is credential stuffing? Quite like the term suggests, the attack involves using a list of compromised credentials to breach into a system.
Sounds familiar? We would have done it at some point when our new passwords flew out of our minds for a while to get into our own systems. However, the world ain't so good, so stuffing credentials into a system is something attackers do to gain unauthorized access for all the wrong reasons.
To answer the next question, i.e How does U2F protect against this attack- U2F requires a physical security key (Like we discussed) in addition to a password for authentication. Well, now you can sleep better because you know that even if passwords are compromised, your accounts are still safe.
Compliance
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is mandated by compliance standards and frameworks such as PCI DSS, NIST 800-171, and GLBA, owing to the fact that it provides strong security against various attacks as discussed earlier. These security keys aid in complying with the requirement by providing a strong 2nd layer of authentication that protects against the attacks, also addressing common cybersecurity concerns in compliance frameworks.
Another compliance mandate would be auditing, and good news: U2F contributes to audit trails by enabling detailed logging of authentication attempts. To elaborate, U2F-enabled systems can log detailed information about every authentication event, including timestamps, device identifiers, and authentication results.
How to Use U2F Keys?
Using a U2F key is generally a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Purchase a U2F key:
Your first step would be buying a U2F security key, a good and compatible one.
You can't just buy your coffee from any other barista. The outlet has to use the freshest of beans and the cleanest and most efficient machines to brew good coffee. And that's why it's reputed and compatible with your cortisol, keeping you up and going.
Be it coffee or your U2F keys, choose a reputable manufacturer. Some manufacturers you can go for are Yubico, Google, or Feitian. Not to forget, ensure the key is compatible with your devices (USB-A, USB-C, NFC, etc.).
Register your key with a service:
- You now have the U2F security key. All you need to do is log into the service you want to secure. For instance, your Google account- Your gmail, drive, photos, etc.-They'd all be secure.
- After logging in, navigate to the security or two-factor authentication settings and then look for an option to add a security key or U2F device.
- Follow the prompts to register your key where you will have to insert your key into your device and click it when prompted.
Use your key for authentication:
- Now you're all ready with your key set up. Enter your username and password as your first authentication step logging into the service.
- You'll be prompted for the 2nd factor after the username and password are authenticated. Here's when you need to insert your U2F key into your device.
- If required, press the button on your key, after which the service will authenticate you and have you logged in.
FAQ
Is U2F the same as FIDO key?
While both are closely related, they're not exactly the same thing. U2F is actually a part of the broader FIDO ecosystem. Here's how they relate:
FIDO, short for Fast IDentity Online is an alliance of technology companies that work to develop and promote authentication standards aiming to reduce over-reliance on passwords.
FIDO U2F is the specific standard for Universal 2nd Factor authentication, which is what we commonly refer to as "U2F".
So, while all U2F keys are FIDO keys, not all FIDO keys are U2F keys. The newer FIDO2 keys support additional features like password-less authentication.
Where can you use FIDO keys?
FIDO keys, including U2F keys, have a vast range of applications. Here are some common use cases:
- Online Services: Many major online platforms support U2F, including:
- Google services (Gmail, Google Drive, etc.)
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter)
- Cloud storage services (Dropbox, Box)
- Password managers (LastPass, 1Password)
Zooming out on the applications, FIDO keys are used in sectors such as:
- Corporate IT Security
- Financial Services
- Cryptocurrency Exchanges
- Government and Military
- Healthcare
- Education
- Developer Platforms