Google Open Sources Code for Security Key Devices

Security keys are devices that provide an extra layer of protection for online accounts. They work by using a cryptographic protocol called FIDO (Fast Identity Online) to verify the identity of the user and the website. Security keys can prevent phishing attacks, account takeover, and other forms of online fraud.

Google is one of the leading proponents of security keys, and has been using them internally for years. Google also offers its own security key products, such as the Titan Security Key and the Google Smart Lock app. However, Google is not the only player in the security key market. There are many other vendors and manufacturers that offer different types of security keys, such as Yubico, Feitian, SoloKeys, and others.

What is OpenSK?

OpenSK is a new open source project that Google launched in January 2020. It is an implementation of a FIDO2 authenticator written in Rust, a programming language that is known for its memory safety and performance. OpenSK supports both FIDO U2F and FIDO2 standards, which means it can work with a wide range of websites and applications that support security keys.

The goal of OpenSK is to make security keys more accessible and customizable for everyone. By releasing the source code of OpenSK, Google hopes to encourage researchers, developers, hobbyists, and security key vendors to contribute to the project and improve the features and functionality of security keys. OpenSK also allows anyone to create their own security key devices using off-the-shelf hardware components.

How to use OpenSK?

To use OpenSK, you will need a supported hardware board that has a Nordic chip with a dedicated hardware crypto core. The Nordic chip also supports various transport protocols, such as USB, NFC, and Bluetooth. Some of the compatible boards are:

Nordic nRF52840-DK development kit
Nordic nRF52840 Dongle
Makerdiary nRF52840-MDK USB dongle
Feitian OpenSK dongle

You will also need to install the OpenSK firmware on the board using a command-line tool called deploy.py. The firmware can be downloaded from the OpenSK GitHub repository. You can also customize the firmware by changing some parameters in the src/ctap/mod.rs file.

Once you have installed the firmware on the board, you can use it as a security key with any website or application that supports FIDO U2F or FIDO2. You can test your OpenSK device by visiting a demo website such as webauthn.io or demo.yubico.com. You can also register and login to your Google account using your OpenSK device.

What are the benefits of OpenSK?

OpenSK has several benefits for users, developers, and security key vendors. Some of them are:

OpenSK is open source, which means anyone can inspect, modify, and improve the code. This can enhance the transparency, security, and innovation of security key technology.
OpenSK is written in Rust, which is a modern and safe programming language that can prevent common errors and vulnerabilities that affect other languages. Rust also offers high performance and efficiency for embedded systems.
OpenSK runs on TockOS, which is an operating system designed for secure embedded devices. TockOS provides better isolation and cleaner abstractions between the security key applet, the drivers, and the kernel. TockOS also supports sandboxing and memory protection for different components of the system.
OpenSK allows users to create their own security key devices using affordable and widely available hardware boards. This can lower the cost and increase the availability of security keys for everyone.
OpenSK enables developers and hobbyists to experiment with different features and functionalities of security keys. For example, they can add biometric sensors, LED indicators, physical buttons, or other customizations to their devices.
OpenSK helps security key vendors to develop and test new products based on a common and standardized platform. They can also leverage the community feedback and contributions to improve their offerings.

Why use security keys?

Security keys are one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts from hackers and cybercriminals. They offer several advantages over other methods of authentication, such as passwords, SMS codes, or mobile apps. Some of these advantages are:

Security keys are immune to phishing attacks, as they only work with the legitimate website that you registered them with. They cannot be tricked by fake or spoofed websites that try to steal your credentials.
Security keys are easy to use, as they only require a simple touch or tap to authenticate. You don’t need to remember or type complex passwords, or enter codes from your phone.
Security keys are portable and durable, as they can fit in your pocket, keychain, or wallet. They don’t need batteries or internet connection to work. They can also withstand water, dust, and physical damage.
Security keys are interoperable and universal, as they can work with any website or application that supports FIDO standards. You don’t need to buy or manage multiple security keys for different accounts.

How does OpenSK work?

OpenSK is a firmware that runs on a hardware board and turns it into a security key device. The firmware implements the FIDO protocols that enable the communication between the security key and the website or application that you want to access. The firmware also handles the cryptographic operations that verify your identity and the authenticity of the website.

The hardware board that runs OpenSK has a Nordic chip that provides the necessary features and capabilities for a security key device. The Nordic chip has a hardware crypto core that performs the encryption and decryption of data. It also has various interfaces that allow the connection of the security key to your computer or phone, such as USB, NFC, or Bluetooth.

To use OpenSK as a security key, you need to register it with the website or application that you want to secure. This process involves generating a unique cryptographic key pair for each account and storing the public key on the website and the private key on the security key. The private key never leaves the security key and is protected by a PIN code that you set.

When you want to login to your account, you need to insert, tap, or pair your security key with your computer or phone, depending on the interface you use. Then, you need to enter your PIN code and touch the button on the security key. The security key will then use the private key to sign a challenge sent by the website and send back a response that proves your identity.

What are the challenges of OpenSK?

OpenSK is a promising project that aims to democratize and improve the security key technology. However, it also faces some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. Some of these challenges are:

OpenSK is still under development and not ready for production use. It is not FIDO certified and may not be compatible with all websites and applications that support security keys. It may also have bugs or vulnerabilities that could compromise the security or functionality of the device.
OpenSK relies on third-party hardware boards that may not have the same level of security and quality as dedicated security key products. The hardware boards may also have different features and specifications that could affect the performance and usability of the device.
OpenSK requires some technical skills and knowledge to install and use. Users need to follow a series of steps to flash the firmware on the hardware board, set up the PIN code, and register the device with their accounts. They also need to be careful not to lose or damage the device, as they may not be able to recover their credentials.
OpenSK may not offer the same user experience and convenience as other security key products. For example, it may not have a built-in battery, a biometric sensor, a display, or other features that could enhance the security and usability of the device.

How to get involved with OpenSK?

If you are interested in OpenSK and want to get involved with the project, there are several ways you can do so. You can:

Download the source code from the OpenSK GitHub repository and try it out on your own hardware board. You can also report any issues or feedback on the GitHub page.
Contribute to the development of OpenSK by submitting pull requests, adding new features, fixing bugs, improving documentation, or writing tests.
Join the OpenSK community by participating in discussions, asking questions, sharing ideas, or providing feedback on the OpenSK mailing list.
Spread the word about OpenSK by writing blog posts, making videos, giving talks, or hosting workshops about the project.

—> ServiceClient failure for DeepLeo[/ERROR]

—> ServiceClient failure for DeepLeo[/ERROR]
What are the future plans for OpenSK?

OpenSK is an ongoing project that aims to evolve and improve over time. Some of the future plans for OpenSK are:

Integrating the ARM® CryptoCell-310 embedded in the Nordic nRF52840 chip to enable hardware-accelerated cryptography and improve the security and performance of the device.
Adding support for more hardware boards and components that can run OpenSK, such as biometric sensors, displays, LEDs, buttons, or other customizations.
Implementing new features and functionalities of the FIDO standards, such as resident keys, user verification, attestation, credential management, or large blobs.
Improving the user experience and usability of OpenSK, such as adding a web interface for configuration and management, or providing a mobile app for pairing and backup.
Expanding the testing and certification of OpenSK, such as conducting security audits, fuzzing tests, interoperability tests, or FIDO certification.

Conclusion

OpenSK is a fully open-source security key implementation that supports both FIDO U2F and FIDO2 standards. It is written in Rust and runs on TockOS, providing a secure and efficient platform for security key devices. OpenSK allows anyone to create their own security key devices using off-the-shelf hardware boards and 3D-printed enclosures. OpenSK also encourages researchers, developers, hobbyists, and security key vendors to contribute to the project and improve the features and functionality of security keys. OpenSK is a promising project that aims to democratize and improve the security key technology, but it also faces some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. OpenSK is still under development and not ready for production use. It relies on third-party hardware boards that may not have the same level of security and quality as dedicated security key products. It requires some technical skills and knowledge to install and use. It may not offer the same user experience and convenience as other security key products. However, OpenSK has several benefits for users, developers, and security key vendors. It is open source, which means anyone can inspect, modify, and improve the code. It is written in Rust, which is a modern and safe programming language that can prevent common errors and vulnerabilities. It runs on TockOS, which is an operating system designed for secure embedded devices. It allows users to create their own security key devices using affordable and widely available hardware boards. It enables developers and hobbyists to experiment with different features and functionalities of security keys. It helps security key vendors to develop and test new products based on a common and standardized platform. If you are interested in OpenSK and want to get involved with the project, you can download the source code from the OpenSK GitHub repository and try it out on your own hardware board. You can also contribute to the development of OpenSK by submitting pull requests, adding new features, fixing bugs, improving documentation, or writing tests. You can join the OpenSK community by participating in discussions, asking questions, sharing ideas, or providing feedback on the OpenSK mailing list. You can spread the word about OpenSK by writing blog posts, making videos, giving talks, or hosting workshops about the project.

86646a7979