Web Authentication API
The Web Authentication API (WebAuthn) is a web standard that enables passwordless authentication using public-key cryptography. It allows websites to register and authenticate users with biometrics (e.g., fingerprint, face recognition), security keys (e.g., YubiKey), or mobile devices, replacing traditional passwords. This API is part of the FIDO2 project and is supported by modern browsers to enhance security and user experience.
Developers should use the Web Authentication API to implement strong, phishing-resistant authentication for web applications, particularly in security-sensitive domains like finance, healthcare, or enterprise systems. It's ideal for reducing reliance on passwords, which are prone to breaches, and for complying with security standards that require multi-factor authentication. Use cases include login flows, transaction confirmations, and access control where user identity verification is critical.