#Japan #Tokyo #FIDO2 #Wakka Inc. #WebAuthn

Wakka Inc. Launches Revolutionary Cost-Free Authentication Service

Wakka Inc., a leading company in digital transformation and offshore development based in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, has recently announced the launch of a new service aimed at facilitating the implementation of next-generation authentication standards, specifically FIDO2 and WebAuthn. This innovative service, designed for web services and business systems, enables organizations to adopt passwordless authentication through passkeys—biometric authentication methods—without incurring even the slightest running costs.

The Service and Its Unique Approach

Unlike typical IDaaS (Identity as a Service) models that require monthly licensing fees based on the number of users, Wakka Inc.'s new offering stands out by only collecting an initial development fee and eliminating ongoing costs for passkey authentication. With either a fully in-house development approach or an add-on implementation for existing systems, organizations can fully integrate this advanced security feature in as little as three to four months from requirement definition to release.

Addressing the Challenges in Passkey Adoption

The adoption of passkeys has been steadily rising, especially after tech giants like Google and Apple implemented FIDO2/WebAuthn as standard biometric authentication methods. However, many organizations face significant challenges when attempting to implement this technology. The most prominent hurdles include:

1. Complexity of FIDO2 Specifications: Companies that have tried to develop their own solutions often find the specifications of FIDO2 to be convoluted and difficult, leading to stalled development.
2. High Ongoing Costs of IDaaS: While external IDaaS solutions may offer functionalities, their recurring costs can be prohibitive, especially for companies working within set budgets.
3. Resistance to Change: Firms recognize the urgent need to strengthen security but are hesitant to disrupt existing workflows or user experiences.

Despite the clear demand for a cost-effective solution to integrate passwordless authentication, viable options have been limited. Wakka Inc. aims to fill this gap with its specialized implementation support for FIDO2/WebAuthn, presenting a third option that meets this urgent market need.

Tailored Implementation Solutions

Wakka Inc. has developed three distinct solutions based on the state of existing systems and the specific phase of the business:

1. Fully In-House Development: By avoiding IDaaS, this approach allows companies to build a robust authentication infrastructure as their own asset without incurring ongoing monthly fees.
2. Add-On Implementation for Existing Systems: Companies can add libraries to their current environments, enabling them to retrofit passkey authentication without the need for complete system replacement.
3. Expert Implementation by FIDO2/WebAuthn Engineers: Specialists skilled in the complexities of these standards address device behavior discrepancies, ensuring compliance with the latest security protocols for safe authentication.

Differentiating from IDaaS

Wakka Inc. aims to clarify the contrasts between its service and IDaaS offerings:

• - Cost Structure

- IDaaS: Charges ongoing monthly fees based on user volume.
- Wakka Inc.'s Service: Requires only initial development fees, with no subsequent costs.

• - Service Scope

- IDaaS: Offers a wide array of integrated authentication methods.
- Wakka Inc.'s Service: Focuses solely on the implementation of passkeys (FIDO2).

• - Integration of Existing Systems

- IDaaS: Requires complicated integration design.
- Wakka Inc.'s Service: Allows straightforward add-on implementations.

While IDaaS provides a broad range of services, Wakka Inc.'s offering is optimized for organizations aiming to implement cost-effective passkey solutions without needing extensive integrated authentication systems.

Development and Implementation Process

The implementation process comprises five straightforward steps, ensuring a seamless transition:

1. Environment Assessment: Evaluate existing system languages, database structures, and frameworks to determine feasibility and labor requirements.
2. Requirements Definition and Design: Choose and design the FIDO2 server, recovery flows, and whether to use passkeys alone or in conjunction with existing methods.
3. Implementation and Integration Development: Develop the frontend (WebAuthn API interaction) and backend (signature verification logic), using necessary schema adjustments in existing databases.
4. Testing and Verification: Conduct real-device testing across major browsers on PCs (Windows/Mac) and mobile devices (iOS/Android).
5. Release and Maintenance: Deploy into the live environment while providing ongoing support for FIDO standard updates.

Including Non-Compatible Devices

For environments with users on non-compatible devices, Wakka Inc.'s service also supports a hybrid implementation model, integrating traditional password authentication alongside passkeys. This phased approach to transitioning to passwordless security suits diverse user bases and gradual implementation strategies.

Insight from Wakka Inc.

A representative from Wakka Inc. expressed, "Passkey authentication is set to become the 'next standard' in both user experience and security. Yet, Japanese companies today are struggling with the dual challenges of ongoing IDaaS costs and the intricacies of proprietary implementations. Our service aims to bridge this gap, providing an accessible solution for organizations that wish to simply add passkey functionalities at a minimized cost. We hope to contribute significantly to advancing passwordless strategies among domestic companies."

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Wakka Inc.
• - Representative: Hiroyuki Hirano
• - Location: 8F Grace Kojimachi, 12-3 2 Bancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0084
• - Phone: 03-6327-3011
• - Business Nature: Established in 2008, Wakka focuses on web systems development, offshore development, and infrastructure construction to support digital transformation and new business ventures. They established a base in Vietnam in 2012, expanding their development capabilities in Southeast Asia.
• - Website: Wakka Inc. Website

Inquiries

For further inquiries, please use the contact form available on the Wakka Inc. website or call 03-6327-3011 during business hours (10:00 AM - 7:00 PM - Weekdays).