The latest version of Android supports FIDO2 standard for password-free login to apps or websites

Google has just announced a new collaboration with the FIDO Alliance, bringing Android users a convenient option to log in to websites or apps without a password. This service is based on the FIDO2 standard. Any device running Android 7.0 and later can log in to commonly used apps or websites with a fingerprint or PIN code after upgrading to the latest version of Google Play Services.

While regularly changing your passwords to complex ones is an effective way to keep your accounts secure, they are often long and difficult to remember (unless you use a unified password manager).

In addition, two-factor authentication is also a practical option, but it may be cumbersome to use, especially for people who often need to travel around the world.

The good news is that thanks to this latest collaboration between Google and the FIDO Alliance, we can expect more secure and convenient login options, such as through biometric data that is difficult to steal or copy.

It is worth mentioning that the FIDO2 standard also stipulates that authentication data is processed locally, so no private information is transmitted to the server.

Christian Brand, product manager for identity security at Google, said: “There’s an often-overlooked point about this technology – it doesn’t allow users to log in using biometrics, but rather pattern authentication where the secret is already shared.

If your device doesn't have a fingerprint sensor, Android also allows authentication via other methods (PIN code or dot pattern).

In fact, many mobile banking apps (as well as modern browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.) already support similar convenient login functions (dot-line map, face scanning, or fingerprint login).

Although not all apps/service providers currently support FIDO login, as long as developers are willing, they can use relevant APIs to provide support.

According to data from the Google dashboard, about half of the world's Android devices are ready to support FIDO login.