Google publishes open source software for creating its own FIDO2 security key

Google has put software online that users can flash on a Nordic USB dongle. This can then function as a FIDO2 security key. The search giant has also published a template for a 3D-printed case.

Google hopes that after the publication, researchers and enthusiasts will help create innovative functions for USB keys. Google has put OpenSK’s code on GitHub. The case that users can 3d print is on Thingiverse.

OpenSK only works on the Nordic nRF52840 dongle, which is available online for under ten euros. Google has written OpenSK largely in the Rust programming language and it works as an application within TockOS. The dongle works with the software with FIDO U2F and FIDO2.

The intention is that the software will allow users and manufacturers to make the dongles themselves in a cheaper way than is currently common, so that more people will eventually use such USB security keys. Such USB security keys are used for two-step authentication when logging in to websites, services and apps. FIDO stands for Fast IDentity Online and was founded in 2012 to create an open and interoperable standard that should enable alternatives to passwords for online authentication.