Lenovo Provides Computers With FIDO Authenticators

Lenovo has provided various computer models of so-called FIDO authenticators that let users login their accounts via a fingerprint scan or click on a prompt on the screen. The Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) Alliance has set itself the goal of replacing the password with authentication methods that are "safer and user-friendly."

Lenovo is one of the FIDO members, among other things, Google, Microsoft, MasterCard and PayPal. The parties involved develop products and services that make use of the FIDO protocol. This would automatically recognize devices that support FIDO and allow users to replace passwords by another authentication method.

Lenovo now claims that it is the first PC manufacturer to integrate directly into Windows computers by FIDO certified authenticators. Instead of a password to log in, users can choose from an alternative. For example, a fingerprint scan can be logged through the Universal Authentication Framework (UAF). In addition, the system also supports Universal 2nd Factor (U2F).

In case a user has enabled two-factor authentication for his account, it is no longer necessary to enter a separate security key or SMS. The two-factor authentication is built directly into the computer. In the case of two-factor authentication via U2F, users get a prompt to confirm, after which they are logged in to their account. This login method is supported by Google, Facebook and Dropbox.

To support UAF and U2F, Lenovo uses Intel Online Connect and Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) on the latest Intel processors. The functionality will be delivered with different computer models and available for all models delivered. Intel Online Connect is available for download from Lenovo's website and will be available through Lenovo System Update and Lenovo App Explorer.

Microsoft Provides Windows 10 FIDO Support

Windows 10 will support the specification of the Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) -Alliantie, allowing users soon also through other ways than can log in a password. The FIDO Alliance has set itself the goal to replace the password by authentication methods that are "safer, user-friendly". Microsoft's next include Google, Lenovo, MasterCard and PayPal one of the members.

The parties develop products and services that use the FIDO protocol. This would allow devices that support FIDO are automatically detected and gives users the ability to replace passwords with another authentication method. It may involve fingerprint scanners, biometric solutions as well as voice and facial recognition.

In the case of Windows 10, Microsoft will the FIDO 2.0 specification support, both password-less login as logging permits through a second factor (U2F). In the case of U2F the user uses a special device that is detected via the browser and can be used to log into websites. Websites can thus simplify the password, for example by requiring a four-digit PIN.

Windows 10 Technical Preview available already offers implementations of the FIDO 2.0 specification, so says Microsoft's Dustin Ingalls. This allows business users through their Windows computer and two-factor authentication without a password on services from Microsoft and partners login. Windows 10 also will also support Active Directory integration for local scenarios and Microsoft account integration for consumer services such as Outlook.com and OneDrive.