Web Authentication
WebAuthn
Assumes familiarity with basic IAM concepts
A W3C web standard and core component of FIDO2 that provides a browser API for creating and using public-key credentials for passwordless, phishing-resistant authentication on the web.
About Web Authentication
A W3C web standard and core component of FIDO2 that provides a browser API for creating and using public-key credentials for passwordless, phishing-resistant authentication on the web. This is a intermediate-level concept in the Authentication, Standards & Protocols domain. Related topics include passwordless, authentication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Web Authentication?
A W3C web standard and core component of FIDO2 that provides a browser API for creating and using public-key credentials for passwordless, phishing-resistant authentication on the web.
How does Web Authentication work?
Web Authentication works by providing key functionality for identity management, access control, and security. It integrates with other identity components to deliver secure, standards-based workflows in enterprise and consumer applications.
What is Web Authentication used for?
Web Authentication is used in digital identity systems to support secure authentication, authorization, and identity lifecycle management. Common use cases include single sign-on, access governance, API security, and regulatory compliance.
What are the benefits of Web Authentication?
The key benefits of Web Authentication include improved security posture, streamlined user experience, reduced operational overhead, and better compliance with privacy regulations. Organizations adopting Web Authentication can achieve stronger access controls and simplified identity management.
Web Authentication vs fido2?
While Web Authentication and fido2 are related concepts in digital identity, they serve different purposes. Web Authentication focuses on a w3c web standard and core component of fido2 that provides a browser api for creating and using public-key credentials for passwordless, phishing-resistant authentication on the web, whereas fido2 addresses a complementary aspect of identity and access management. Understanding both is essential for building comprehensive security architectures.
Related Books
FIDO2 and WebAuthn: Passwordless Authentication
David Turner
FIDO2 and WebAuthn: Passwordless Authentication
David Turner, Christiaan Brand
A comprehensive developer guide to implementing FIDO2 and WebAuthn passwordless authentication. Covers the FIDO2 protocol, WebAuthn API, platform authenticators, roaming authenticators, passkeys, and practical implementation patterns.
NIST SP 800-63 Digital Identity Guidelines
Paul Grassi
NIST SP 800-63 Digital Identity Guidelines
Paul Grassi, James Fenton, Elaine Newton, Ray Perlner, Andrew Regenscheid
The NIST SP 800-63 Digital Identity Guidelines provide technical requirements for federal agencies implementing digital identity services. Revision 4 covers identity proofing (800-63A), authentication and lifecycle management (800-63B), and federation and assertions (800-63C). It defines Identity Assurance Levels (IAL), Authenticator Assurance Levels (AAL), and Federation Assurance Levels (FAL).