Yubico is trying to make it easier for developers to add YubiKey authentication to their .NET applications. To that end, the company is releasing a new Desktop SDK that will simplify the integration process for the developers that want to support a YubiKey utility.
The SDK is currently available in beta form through the NuGet.org platform. That initial version offers support for the OATH and PIV protocols, though Yubico is planning to release an updated version of the beta in July to add Yubico OTP functionality. The SDK will also be made available as an open source GitHub project at some point later in the summer.
In terms of software, the SDK is based on the 2.0 .NET Standard, and is compatible with both the macOS and Windows operating systems. The platform offers support for more traditional USB form factors, in addition to YubiKeys that authenticate users through an NFC connection.
Once integrated, end users will be able to use a YubiKey instead of a password as proof of identity when they want to log into an application. The Desktop SDK comes with sample code and documentation to speed up development times, and automates many of the key tasks associated with YubiKey authentication, including certificate loading and keypair generation.
The Desktop SDK is in keeping with Yubico’s efforts to extend its reach to as many platforms as possible. The company launched new Android and iOS SDKs in April, following a short public beta program that began in December. More recently, the company partnered with GitHub to enable the use of FIDO2 and U2F security keys on the GitHub software development platform.
In other news, Yubico has reported that COVID-19 prompted more businesses to start implementing multi-factor authentication practices. However, many employees still feel that management should be taking security more seriously, especially when it comes to passwords.
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