Intel and Duo Security Collaborate on Native U2F Authentication for Windows Devices

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As two-factor authentication becomes a more widely adopted security practice, Intel Corp. today announced it will partner with Ann Arbor-based Duo Security, a cloud-based trusted access provider that specializes in protecting the world’s fastest-growing companies, to embed native Universal Second Factor (U2F) support into Windows systems with seventh generation Intel Core Processors.

U2F is an open authentication standard that enables internet users to instantly and securely access any number of online services with a single device. Using public key cryptography, U2F is widely considered one of the most secure methods of authentication available, as it secures logins, helps prevent phishing attacks, and stops adversaries from stealing user credentials, while providing strong privacy assurances to the user. As organizations worldwide update their endpoints, companies can utilize native U2F support integrate their client devices with Duo to provide secure access for customers and contractors.

Duo and Intel believe that incorporating the best authentication technologies natively into hardware will accelerate adoption of the U2F standard, making it even easier and less expensive to adopt. The Duo/Intel prototype utilizes Intel’s seventh generation Core Processors that incorporate Intel Online Connect technology, and provides full support for U2F, allowing it work seamlessly with Duo.

Duo will demonstrate a working prototype of U2F authentication at the RSA Conference in San Francisco from Feb. 13-16.