FIDO Card

FIDO cards are a physical form of passwordless authentication built on open standards that eliminate reliance on passwords in favor of strong, cryptographic security. Originating from the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance, FIDO standards were designed to replace insecure password-based logins with local authentication methods that never transmit reusable credentials. A FIDO card operates as a portable hardware authenticator that leverages the FIDO2 standard, which combines Web Authentication (WebAuthn) and the Client to Authenticator Protocol 2 (CTAP2). This combination enables secure, phishing-resistant sign-ins across devices and browsers, supporting a wide range of enterprise use cases.

The introduction of FIDO2 transformed how authentication occurs across endpoints by allowing devices and applications to rely on public-key cryptography rather than shared secrets. With the CTAP2 protocol, FIDO cards can securely communicate with client devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, providing users with a consistent authentication experience across platforms. During registration, a key pair is created. The private key never leaves the device, and only the public key and related metadata are sent to the server. This design avoids sending reusable secrets, which significantly reduces the attack surface for credential theft and phishing. As mobile device management (MDM) and enterprise mobility continue to expand, FIDO authentication is becoming a key enabler for organizations seeking both usability and compliance within hybrid and mobile environments.

In healthcare, where clinicians depend on shared mobile devices for fast access to clinical apps and patient information, security solutions must balance protection with speed. That’s where Imprivata, integrated with FIDO technology, makes a difference. Imprivata Mobile Device Access (MDA) supports FIDO card authentication, allowing clinicians to tap their badge for immediate, passwordless access to shared mobile devices. This approach enables consistent security enforcement without adding friction to high-velocity workflows. By extending FIDO authentication to clinical mobility, Imprivata ensures that users can move securely and efficiently across devices and locations.

For IT and security teams, FIDO-based sign-in to Imprivata Mobile Device Access delivers phishing-resistant authentication that meets the highest security standards while simplifying credential management. Passwords, which have long been the weakest link in enterprise access, are removed from the equation, reducing administrative burden and risk exposure. With FIDO card support in Imprivata solutions, healthcare organizations can strengthen their identity assurance posture while maintaining the speed and convenience clinicians require. The result is a seamless convergence of strong, standards-based security and effortless usability, which marks a key milestone in the journey toward a fully passwordless clinical environment.