Samsung Electronics Ltd. and semiconductor designer ARM have joined the FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance board of directors.
The alliance was established in 2012 to provide stronger e-commerce security by eliminating passwords and seeking an authorization standard based on the security supported by individual devices. Specifically, FIDO seeks to incorporate more biometrics and trusted user interfaces.
In February,
Samsung continues to impress with innovations that showcase new technologys potential," FIDO Alliance president Michael Barrett says in an April 22 press release announcing the new board members. "Samsungs embracing of FIDO authentication signals endless possibilities for strong, easy-to-use authentication everywhere.
ARM provides global leadership on the board in addition to the company's ability to facilitate technology among various authentication methods, Barrett says.
ARM's technology can be used with FIDO standards "to move beyond passwords into a world where authentication methods are interoperable," says Rob Coombs, director of security marketing for ARM, in a press release. The key is ensuring that "embedded security builds on appropriate hardware and software that is well integrated so it's fit for purpose and cost-effective," Coombs says in the release.
Nearly 100 companies have joined the alliance, including MasterCard, Discover, Microsoft, Google, Lenovo and Bank of America.
FIDO's specifications will be designed to support fingerprint and iris scanners, as well as voice and facial recognition. In addition, it will expand upon existing solutions and communications standards, such as trusted platform modules, USB security tokens, embedded secure elements, smart cards, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Near Field Communication. The specifications are also designed to allow the interaction of technologies within an interoperable infrastructure, enabling authentication choice to meet the distinct needs of users and organizations.
