Open authentication spec from FIDO Alliance moves beyond passwords

An open industry alliance of 150 members that includes many of the world’s biggest vendors — but notably, not Apple — released specifications Tuesday that promise to secure online communications without using passwords.

The group, called the FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance includes Microsoft, Google, PayPal, Bank of America, MasterCard and Visa. Also included are device manufacturers such as Dell, Samsung and BlackBerry, and even enterprises offering various services such as Aetna and Netflix.