“All major web browsers now support FIDO2 authentication, which means HID Global’s Crescendo keys will enable their users to access accounts with their smart cards or security keys using NFC, USB-A, or USB-C connectivity.”

HID Global has upgraded its Crescendo smart cards to be compliant with the FIDO Alliance’s FIDO2 authentication standard, the company has announced. And it has launched a line of solutions called the Crescendo Key Series, which are designed to bring this kind of FIDO2 authentication to applications in desktop computers, laptops, and tablets.

First announced over a year ago, the FIDO2 standard is notable for bringing strong, passwordless authentication to the web, allowing end users to log into supported web apps and services through the use of a biometric authentication or a security key. All major web browsers now support FIDO2 authentication, which means HID Global’s Crescendo keys will enable their users to access accounts with their smart cards or security keys using NFC, USB-A, or USB-C connectivity.

HID Global says the new line of solutions are the product of a collaboration with Microsoft, whose Windows Hello security system is designed to support biometric authentication out of the box on the Windows 10 operating system.

Commenting in a statement announcing the new solutions, HID Global IAMS VP Brad Jarvis emphasized the flexibility they afford to HID’s end users. “Customers now have two form factor options for use with our unified cloud and on-premises authentication and management system,” he said, adding, “There is more to come as we work with Microsoft and other industry players to improve how secure credentials are used in a way that emphasizes convenience and privacy.”

HID Global’s solutions made their debut at last week’s Identiverse 2019 event in Washington, D.C., which ran from June 25th to 29th.