Hideez Development LLC has secured a grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through USAID Cybersecurity Activity to develop an innovative mobile authenticator app that will enhance cybersecurity for Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
The rapid evolution of technology presents both new opportunities and challenges, particularly in cybersecurity. Traditional authentication methods, such as passwords and OTPs, leave critical infrastructure vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats. Hideez leverages the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance standards, including FIDO U2F and FIDO2/WebAuthn authentication, to introduce a secure, passwordless SSO and IdM system for the workforce. This method employs public key cryptography to store private keys on personal devices, significantly reducing the risk of phishing and other types of identity-based attacks.
The main goal of the project is the development of a mobile app that would rely on a smartphone’s crypto chip (TPM module) and FIDO algorithms to enhance the protection of employees while they access web services and applications. The solution will be introduced to a number of critical infrastructure providers and private companies in Ukraine as a means of reducing the costs of implementing passwordless authentication.
"For Ukraine to effectively combat cyber threats, it is essential to integrate cutting-edge cybersecurity measures into their infrastructure," said Oleg Naumenko, CEO at Hideez Development LLC. "Our collaboration with USAID Cybersecurity Activity underscores the importance of innovative solutions in building a resilient and secure digital ecosystem."
Hideez’s solution will focus on:
- Enhancing Security: Implementing a robust authentication system to mitigate phishing attacks and password-related data breaches.
- Improving User Experience: Streamlining the authentication process to increase productivity and improve user experience.
- Reducing Costs: Eliminating the need for hardware tokens and reducing administrative burdens.
- Promoting Advanced Technologies: Encouraging widespread adoption of secure, passwordless authentication methods.
About USAID Cybersecurity Activity
USAID Cybersecurity Activity is a USAID project that works to reduce and potentially eliminate cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Ukraine's critical infrastructure sectors, and to build Ukraine’s cybersecurity workforce, develop the cybersecurity industry, and strengthen Ukraine's ability to prepare for cyberattacks.