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Biometric and FIDO2 Access

Overview

Biometric and FIDO2 Access offers secure, passwordless authentication for accessing users’ UnoLock vaults, utilizing biometric data (e.g., fingerprints, facial recognition) and FIDO2 hardware tokens. This feature enhances both security and convenience, reducing reliance on traditional passwords, which are vulnerable to theft or hacking. The use of strong, cryptographic-based authentication methods minimizes the risks associated with phishing and password attacks.

How It Works

  • Biometric Authentication: Users can unlock their vaults using biometric data such as fingerprints or facial recognition. This data is securely stored and processed locally on the user’s device, ensuring privacy and security.
  • FIDO2 Authentication: FIDO2 is an open authentication standard that uses public-key cryptography to enable secure, passwordless access. Users authenticate using a FIDO2 hardware token (e.g., YubiKey) or a biometric device that supports WebAuthn (the web authentication protocol).
  • Public-Private Key Pair: During the registration process, a public-private key pair is generated. The private key is stored on the hardware token or biometric device, while the public key is registered with UnoLock. During authentication, the device signs a challenge using the private key, and the signature is verified with the public key, granting access without transmitting sensitive information.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication: Users can combine biometric or FIDO2-based authentication with other security layers, such as a backup passphrase or recovery email, to create multi-factor authentication (MFA) for enhanced security.

Security Implications

  • Passwordless Security: Passwordless login eliminates the risks associated with weak or stolen passwords. Since authentication is based on public-key cryptography, FIDO2 is inherently resistant to phishing, credential stuffing, and replay attacks.
  • Local Biometric Data Processing: Biometric data never leaves the user’s device, as all authentication occurs locally. This means that UnoLock never sees or stores biometric information, ensuring user privacy.
  • Resistance to Phishing Attacks: FIDO2 protects against phishing by verifying the origin of the login request, ensuring that authentication only occurs on legitimate websites or applications.

Use Cases

  • High-Security Access: Users who handle sensitive data or financial assets can use biometric or FIDO2 authentication for more secure vault access.
  • Convenience for Daily Use: Individuals looking for both convenience and security can quickly access their vault without relying on passwords, reducing login friction while maintaining high security.
  • Enterprise and Business: Organizations can implement FIDO2 authentication to secure employee access to company vaults, reducing the risks of password theft and improving overall access management.

Why It Matters

Passwords are a common target for cyberattacks and are often the weakest link in account security. By replacing passwords with biometric and FIDO2 authentication, UnoLock provides stronger protection for user vaults, making them highly resistant to attacks such as phishing, brute force, and credential theft. This feature enhances both security and user experience, aligning with UnoLock’s commitment to robust, user-centric privacy solutions.

FAQs

How does FIDO2 authentication improve security?

FIDO2 uses public-key cryptography, meaning only the private key stored on your device can authenticate a login attempt. Since no passwords are involved, it prevents phishing, credential stuffing, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Can UnoLock access my biometric data?

No, biometric data is processed locally on your device and never transmitted to or stored by UnoLock.

What happens if I lose my FIDO2 hardware token?

If you lose your hardware token, you can use recovery methods like a backup passphrase or biometric authentication to regain access.

Compliance & Privacy Regulations

  • GDPR & HIPAA Compliance: By using local biometric processing and secure FIDO2 authentication, UnoLock ensures compliance with data privacy regulations, protecting user data and minimizing exposure to potential breaches.

Integration with Other Features

  • End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Biometric and FIDO2 Access work alongside E2EE to ensure that vault access is secured and encrypted, providing comprehensive protection from login to data retrieval.
  • Multi-Device Access: Users can register multiple FIDO2 tokens or biometric devices to securely access their vault from different devices, while maintaining the same strong security protocols.