Executive Summary
As cyber threats continue to grow in scale and sophistication, the need for stronger, phishing-resistant authentication mechanisms is more critical than ever. Ambimat Electronics, a leader in embedded hardware and secure microcontroller design, proposes the integration of the FIDO (Fast Identity Online) authentication protocol into everyday consumer electronics—specifically mice and keyboards—to offer secure, seamless user authentication with minimal user friction. Our AmbiSecure offering can provide an end to end solution.
The FIDO Advantage
The FIDO Alliance developed specifications to eliminate the reliance on passwords by using public-key cryptography. Devices that support the FIDO2 standard (WebAuthn + CTAP2) enable passwordless logins and provide phishing-resistant authentication, helping enterprises and consumers reduce security risks dramatically.
FIDO’s benefits include:
- Strong cryptographic authentication
- Privacy by design (no tracking across services)
- Resistance to phishing and credential stuffing
- No shared secrets stored on the server
Use Case: Mice and Keyboards with Embedded FIDO
Ambimat proposes embedding FIDO authenticators into USB and Bluetooth-enabled mice and keyboards to enhance authentication without disrupting user workflows. A user can simply press a button, fingerprint sensor, or enter a PIN on the peripheral device to authenticate into online services or enterprise systems.
Example Applications:
- Enterprise Logins: Authenticate into corporate systems securely using an enterprise-issued keyboard with FIDO2 support.
- Consumer Passwordless Access: Access Google, Microsoft, and other FIDO2-enabled services without a password.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Complement existing login credentials with a secure hardware second factor.
Technical Integration Plan
Ambimat’s expertise in secure microcontrollers, embedded firmware, and USB/Bluetooth device engineering makes this integration seamless. The process involves:
1. Hardware Design
- Integrate a secure element (e.g., AmbiSecure FIPS Certified Secure Element) and a compliant MCU (e.g., Ambimat’s FIDO2 Authenticator companion MCU).
- Design user interface elements: a capacitive fingerprint sensor or secure button for user presence check or a Biometric Sensor
2. Firmware Development
- Implement the CTAP2 protocol on-device that will be provided by Ambimat
- Secure boot and encrypted storage for credential protection.
- HID/USB or BLE HID+CTAP interface for desktop and mobile platforms.
3. Platform Compatibility
- Ensure support for Windows Hello, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices with native WebAuthn integration.
- Plug-and-play functionality via HID interface with fallback to platform-native APIs.
Advantages in designing your FIDO integration with Ambimat Electronics
- Faster time to market because of proven track record of building several FIDO certified devices
- Small form factor of FIDO hardware leading to no change in mechanical design*
- Responsibility of getting FIDO certification of the product relies on Ambimat Electronics
- Ambimat also provides a FIDO Validation server as a service for further vertical integration into devices
* Terms and Conditions apply
Market Differentiator
While standalone FIDO tokens exist, embedding the capability directly into devices users already carry and interact with daily eliminates friction. It brings passwordless security into daily life without requiring users to carry additional hardware.
Ambimat Electronics is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, leveraging its full-stack embedded development capabilities, trusted supply chain, and commitment to open standards like FIDO.
Conclusion
FIDO authentication embedded in mice and keyboards represents the next step in ubiquitous, strong user authentication. Ambimat Electronics is committed to enabling secure digital experiences by embedding intelligence and trust directly into consumer electronics, unlocking a future where security is seamless, user-friendly, and universally accessible.
