FIDO2 Was a Game-Changer—But It Can’t Be the Finish Line in Authentication

Fast IDentity Online 2 (FIDO2) was the second iteration of a standard released by the FIDO Alliance and World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It was designed to replace passwords as a means of authentication on the internet with cryptographic logins using device biometrics or security keys.

When FIDO2 came onto the scene in 2018, it promised to bring us closer to truly password-free authentication. And, in many ways, it did—offering phishing-resistant security without the need for traditional passwords. Yet, as we edge deeper into a digital-first world, it’s clear that FIDO2, while impressive, doesn’t address all of today’s real-world challenges.

Where FIDO2 Hits Its Limits

Overcomplication and Mixed Priorities

Because FIDO2 is a standard shaped by multiple stakeholders—browsers, OS platforms, security firms, and vendors—it carries complexity. That makes innovation slower and practical implementation often more frustrating than seamless. This complexity, and its tendency to inherit legacy constraints, have been well-documented in usability studies. Packetlabs pointsharp.com. 

Device Lock-In and Recovery Pain

One major drawback? FIDO2 ties authentication to specific hardware. Lose or replace your device, and the recovery process becomes painful and unintuitive. Academic research shows account recovery as one of the top pain points when rolling out FIDO2 at scale. arXiv.

An Authentication-Only Mindset

While secure, FIDO2 doesn't do much for broader business needs like speedy onboarding, inclusive design, or minimizing customer friction. Some users and organizations report confusion during implementation due to inconsistent messaging and varied browser behaviour. ResearchGate Wikipedia.

What Needs to Come Next

To serve today’s diverse users and agile businesses, authentication must: -

• Remove all password risk, so there's simply nothing to steal.
• Support any device, any environment, without locking users into hardware ecosystems.
• Be inclusive and intuitive, without sacrificing security.
• Overlay business value, by easing onboarding, boosting trust, and improving retention—all silently and seamlessly.
• Be easy to integrate – support integrations via OAuth2/OIDC, API or website plug-ins.

Why This Matters

Security shouldn't be a hurdle—it must empower. If your login process turns away users or excludes less tech-savvy people, you're undermining trust and growth. The most forward-looking solutions combine cryptographic strength with user-centric design, inclusivity, and tangible business benefits.

FIDO2 opened the door toward passwordless login—but it isn’t the destination. The future lies in authentication systems that go further: fully password-free, inclusive, resilient, and built with real-world complexity in mind.

I see the next frontier as an authentication experience that is secure, effortless, and built for everyone. 

Following is a 15-second video of what I think real-time biometric login should look like (NO TOTPs!): See it in action

💬 I’ve shared my view — but what about you? What would make login feel truly seamless and secure in your daily life?

📚 Reference Sources