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Grant
Theme fund: NGI Zero Core
Start: 2024-06

Secure Web Tokens for Linux

TPM 2.0 backed FIDO2/U2F tokens on Linux

This project aims to develop a systemd daemon that utilizes the TPM 2.0 security chip to provide FIDO2/U2F tokens for web browsers and operating system applications on Linux. Leveraging the ubiquitous presence of TPM2 in modern PCs, the daemon will enhance security and usability for Linux users. It will allow the integration of security chips as access tokens with web extensions, secure local passwords and HOTP/TOTP managers, and enable hardware-based lock screen authentication mechanisms.

The daemon will interface with the TPM2 chip to manage FIDO2 token generation. It includes support for the "uhid" kernel driver for button press emulation when no fingerprint reader is available for authentication. The project involves developing the daemon, ensuring seamless integration with systemd, and conducting extensive testing for functionality and security. Comprehensive documentation will be provided for setup and use, along with user guides for web extension integration. The outcome will be a robust, secure, and user-friendly solution for Linux users, elevating the baseline security and leveraging existing hardware capabilities to the fullest.

Run by Niche Systems

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This project was funded through the NGI0 Core Fund, a fund established by NLnet with financial support from the European Commission's Next Generation Internet programme, under the aegis of DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology under grant agreement No 101092990.