What is the main advantage of Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) over traditional passwords?

The main advantage of Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) over traditional passwords is its enhanced security. Traditional passwords can be easily hacked or guessed, especially if they are simple or commonly used. On the other hand, FIDO uses public key cryptography to provide stronger authentication.

Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. FIDO protocols use standard public key cryptography techniques to provide stronger authentication. During registration with an online service, the user's client device creates a new key pair.

2. It retains the private key and registers the public key with the online service. Authentication is done by the client device proving possession of the private key to the service by signing a challenge.

3. The client’s private keys can be used only after they are unlocked locally on the device by the user. The local unlock is accomplished by a user–friendly and secure action such as swiping a finger, entering a PIN, speaking into a microphone, inserting a second–factor device or pressing a button.

4. The user no longer needs to enter their password when authenticating with FIDO. This not only improves user experience, but also eliminates the risks associated with user-managed passwords.

5. FIDO protocols are designed from the ground up to protect user privacy. The protocols do not provide information that can be used by different online services to collaborate and track a user across the services.

In summary, FIDO provides a more secure and user-friendly method than traditional passwords.