WebAuthn
This WebAuthn guide explains an authentication API intended to replace passwords with stronger authentication.
About WebAuthn
This guide introduces Web Authentication (WebAuthn), an API specification written by the W3C and FIDO that lets servers register and authenticate users with public key cryptography instead of passwords. It explains the weaknesses of shared-secret passwords, how keypairs are created and stored, and why the server holds only a public key. The guide also describes the registration flow and shows example code for navigator.credentials.create().
The guide is educational and does not provide a login service or password manager. Its browser support information is stated as of January 2019, so current support should be checked elsewhere.
Key features
- Explains how WebAuthn replaces passwords with public key credentials
- Describes keypairs scoped to a specific website origin
- Covers attestation, where authenticators provide certificates to servers
- Includes example code for navigator.credentials.create() registration
- Describes integration with device authenticators such as Windows Hello and Touch ID
Best for: Web developers and security-minded readers who want an introduction to passwordless web authentication.
Good for
- Explains how scoped keypairs help mitigate phishing across different domains
- Describes why stored public keys are less useful to attackers than stored passwords
- Shows how the API works with authenticators already built into devices
Watch out for
- Browser support information is stated as of January 2019
- Describes hardware security module backing as ideal rather than required
WebAuthn at a glance
- Website
- webauthn.guide
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Security Tools
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Security Tools
WebAuthn alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
SSLMate CAA helps generate CAA DNS records and explains which certificate authorities support the record type.
Store, generate, and organize one-time password codes with 2FAuth, a self-hosted manager for individuals and teams.
Manage two-factor authentication codes with OTP Auth, an iOS app listed on the App Store.
FreemiumPick
24 alternatives
Facia provides deepfake and liveness detection for identity verification and authentication.
Find which websites support two-factor authentication and what methods they offer in this directory.
Generate two-factor authentication codes in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge with the Authenticator extension.
Popular in Security Tools
Well-known listings from the same topic.
Online Password Hash Crackonlinehashcrack.comMD5 reverse lookupmd5.gromweb.comMozilla SSLssl-config.mozilla.orgchallenges.rechallenges.reGoPlus Locker V3gopluslabs.ioSuperagentsuperagent.sh
WebAuthn FAQ
Which browsers supported WebAuthn?
The guide states that, as of January 2019, WebAuthn was supported on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
Why are stored public keys less attractive to hackers?
The guide explains that public keys are not secret and are effectively useless without the corresponding private key, so databases holding them are less attractive targets.
How does WebAuthn help against phishing?
A keypair is only useful for a specific origin. The guide gives the example that a keypair registered at webauthn.guide cannot be used at evil-webauthn.guide.
Is something wrong or out of date?
Tell us and an editor will check it.
Own this website?
Claim this listing
Claim the listing and suggest updates yourself. An editor checks every claim first.