SK Telecom has obtained Grade 1 GS certification for its next-generation authentication solution 'PassKey' and is moving to expand passwordless authentication environments. The company plans to strengthen its foundation for the authentication security business by first applying it to key internal systems and then expanding into the enterprise market.

According to SK Telecom on the 12th, 'Passkey by SK Telecom' received GS Grade 1 software quality certification from the Korea Information and Communications Technology Association. GS certification is a nationally accredited certification system that evaluates the functional suitability, security, and reliability of software based on international standards.

Passkey is a FIDO-based authentication solution that utilizes biometric authentication, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, and device unlocking methods, such as PINs and patterns, instead of the traditional password input method. When a user registers for the service, a private key and a public key are generated within the device, and the private key is not transmitted externally but is stored in the device's secure area.

When logging in, only the value signed with the private key stored on the device is transmitted in response to the server's identity verification request. The structure prevents passwords or private keys from being exchanged over the network, which can reduce the risk of authentication information exposure.

The solution is provided in the form of an SDK that supports various device environments, including Android and iOS. Companies can utilize this to apply passkey authentication functionality to their existing services.

SK Telecom plans to gradually introduce Passkey into its key internal systems following this certification. After verifying technical stability through internal implementation, the company intends to expand into external services and the corporate customer market.

Lee Jong-hyun, Head of SK Telecom’s Integrated Security Center, stated that obtaining the Grade 1 GS certification is the result of having FIDO standard-based technological capabilities recognized, and announced that the company will continue to strengthen its internal security system and build a secure authentication environment.