Passwordless Authentication and PKI Realized in One Device. Kofuku Trading Begins Handling ACS's FIDO-Certified USB Security Key "PocketKey+ II"

Kofuku Trading LLC (Headquarters: Arakawa-ku, Tokyo) will begin handling the FIDO-certified USB security key "PocketKey+ II" offered by Advanced Card Systems Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as ACS).

PocketKey+ II is a USB security key compatible with FIDO2 and FIDO U2F. It features a USB Type-C connection and an NFC interface, allowing it to be used with a wide range of devices such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets.

Furthermore, it supports PKI, enabling not only passwordless login but also enterprise authentication, access management utilizing digital certificates, and multi-factor authentication for cloud services.

In recent years, countermeasures against phishing attacks, credential leaks, and unauthorized logins have become critical management issues for companies. Authentication relying solely on IDs and passwords may not be sufficient to fully mitigate the risks of impersonation and information leakage.

PocketKey+ II balances account protection and convenience through multi-factor authentication using a physical key. Its plug-and-play design and contactless authentication via NFC support secure logins in office, on-the-go, and remote work environments.

Background of Handling Commencement

As corporate cloud adoption, remote work, and SaaS utilization expand, authentication security is becoming increasingly important. In particular, areas such as email, cloud storage, business systems, and customer information management tools have a significant impact if unauthorized access occurs.

On the other hand, complex password management can be a burden for employees, leading to password reuse and management errors. Therefore, passwordless authentication, multi-factor authentication, and hardware security keys are gaining attention in companies. Kofuku Trading is promoting solutions for ACS IC card readers, NFC readers, FIDO authentication devices, and identity verification-related equipment. By commencing handling of PocketKey+ II, we will further strengthen our authentication, identity verification, and access management solutions for corporations.

Key Features of PocketKey+ II

1. Passwordless Authentication Supporting FIDO2 and FIDO U2F

PocketKey+ II supports FIDO2 and FIDO U2F. It helps prevent phishing and unauthorized logins by enabling the construction of an authentication environment that does not rely solely on passwords.

Supported platforms include X, Instagram, Microsoft, Apple ID, iCloud, Facebook, and Google, and its use is anticipated in major online services and business environments.

2. Supports USB Type-C and NFC

This product features a 2-in-1 design with a USB Type-C connector and an NFC interface. It can be connected via USB Type-C for PCs, and authentication can be performed via NFC for smartphones and tablets.

It supports a wide range of usage scenarios, including authentication on the go, mobile device logins, and identity verification during remote work, not just desk work.

3. Also Usable for Enterprise Authentication with PKI Support

PocketKey+ II supports PKI in addition to FIDO authentication. It can also be utilized for authentication using digital certificates and for enterprise access management.

It supports 100 resident key storage and 150 for PKI, with specifications designed for corporate use.

4. Ultra-Compact and Lightweight for Easy Portability

The main unit measures 35mm x 18mm x 7.8mm and weighs approximately 4.2g. Its small size and portability make it suitable for distribution to employees, use on the go, and operation across multiple locations.

5. Wide Compatibility with OS and Browsers

Supported OS include Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS. Supported browsers include Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. Its compatibility with existing business environments is also a key feature.

Intended Use Cases

PocketKey+ II is suitable for the following applications:

- Corporate internal system login - Multi-factor authentication for cloud services - Account protection for Microsoft, Google, Apple ID, etc. - Enhanced authentication for financial services and payments - Protection of personal information in the medical and insurance fields - Identity verification in government, local authorities, and e-government sectors - Secure login during remote work - Countermeasures against unauthorized access to employee accounts - Reduction of password management burden - Enterprise authentication utilizing digital certificates

ACS official information also lists enterprises, financial services and payments, healthcare and insurance, and e-government as main applications.

Why is a Security Key Necessary Now?

Corporate information assets are routinely accessed through cloud services and online accounts. Meanwhile, attacks targeting accounts, such as phishing emails, fake login pages, and credential leaks, are becoming more sophisticated.

A security key is a system that combines ID and password with a physical key for authentication. Therefore, even if a third party obtains the password, it becomes difficult to log in without the key.

PocketKey+ II is a product that integrates FIDO authentication, USB Type-C, NFC, and PKI into a single device. It can be proposed as an authentication device that not only enhances corporate security but also improves employee convenience.

Product Overview

Item

Details

Product Name

PocketKey+ II

Product Type

FIDO Certified USB Security Key

Connection Method

USB Type-C, NFC

Supported Authentication

FIDO2, FIDO U2F, PKI

Standards and Compliance

FIDO2 L1, FIDO U2F, Microsoft WHQL

Encryption Specification

ECC p256

Resident Key Storage

100

PKI

150

Size

35mm x 18mm x 7.8mm

Weight

4.2g ± 1g

Supported OS

Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS

Supported Browsers

Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Firefox

Supported Platforms

Microsoft, Apple ID, iCloud, Facebook, Google, X

Main Applications

Passwordless authentication, multi-factor authentication, enterprise authentication, access management, account protection

Future Development

Kofuku Trading will further strengthen its domestic proposal system for ACS products. We will propose a range of products related to identity verification, authentication, and access management, including IC card readers, NFC readers, FIDO security keys, and electronic passport readers, for corporate, government, medical, and financial sectors.

In particular, we will expand the use of ACS products in areas with high security demand, such as passwordless authentication, e-government, identity verification for medical institutions, security enhancement for financial institutions, and zero-trust measures for corporations.

ACS Japan Official Product Page:

About Advanced Card Systems Japan Co., Ltd. (ACS) Location: 1-2-6 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022, Nihonbashi Daiei Bldg. 7F Established: 1995 Business Activities: IC card readers/writers, FIDO security keys, NFC solutions URL: https://www.acs-japan.jp/

About Kofuku Trading LLC Location: 6-13-6-A103 Nishiogu, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo Established: December 2018 Business Activities: Trading (Official authorized agent for ACS Japan) URL: http://www.kofukutrading.com

[Contact Information] Kofuku Trading LLC Email: acsjapan@kofukutrading.com URL: https://www.kofukutrading.com