FIPS 140-3 Passwordless Authentication: Secure, Compliant, and Real

The login prompt is gone. No passwords. No secrets to steal. Only a secure, verified session—validated under the strict rules of FIPS 140-3.

FIPS 140-3 is the current U.S. federal standard for cryptographic modules. It defines how approved algorithms, key management, and hardware or software implementations must handle sensitive data. Systems that meet FIPS 140-3 requirements can be trusted for government and high-security use. Anything less leaves gaps that attackers exploit.

Passwordless authentication replaces shared secrets with cryptographic proof of identity. Instead of relying on something you know, it verifies something you have or something you are—like a hardware security module, biometric key, or device-based private key. With FIPS 140-3 validated cryptography, this authentication is enforced with tested algorithms, certified random number generation, and tamper-resistant key storage.

Implementing passwordless authentication to FIPS 140-3 standards means using modules that have passed NIST validation. This covers AES encryption, SHA hashing functions, key wrapping, and ECDSA or RSA signature verification—each operating in an approved mode. Keys must never leave secure boundaries. Communications must be protected with TLS using FIPS-validated cipher suites.

In practice, a FIPS 140-3 passwordless system might register a user by generating a private key inside a certified module. The public key is stored on the server. Each login request is challenged with a nonce. The device signs it; the server verifies with the stored public key. No password exists to phish, guess, or breach. The cryptographic assurance is measurable and compliant.

Deploying FIPS 140-3 passwordless authentication hardens identity systems against credential theft, replay attacks, and unauthorized access. It also satisfies compliance requirements for federal agencies and regulated industries. By eliminating passwords, you remove the most common attack vector. By enforcing FIPS 140-3 validation, you remove doubt about the cryptography doing the work.

See FIPS 140-3 passwordless authentication running in minutes—integrated, compliant, and real. Try it now at hoop.dev.