FIDO U2F Compatibility Across Linux Distributions: Supported Versions and Setup Guide

Most modern Linux distributions support the FIDO U2F protocol, especially those with up-to-date browsers and U2F libraries. Here’s a rundown of the primary Linux operating systems that support FIDO U2F:

1. Ubuntu (16.04 LTS and later)

   • Ubuntu has supported FIDO U2F from version 16.04 LTS onwards. With libu2f-host installed, U2F keys work smoothly with compatible applications and browsers like Firefox and Chrome.

2. Debian (Stretch 9 and later)

   • FIDO U2F support is available from Debian Stretch 9, with libu2f-host and libu2f-server packages enabling U2F functionality. U2F keys work in Chrome and Firefox.

3. Fedora (29 and later)

   • Fedora 29 and above offer FIDO U2F support natively. Firefox and Chrome support U2F keys out of the box, and libu2f-host can be installed for additional compatibility.

4. Arch Linux

   • Arch Linux has robust U2F support due to its rolling release model. Installing libu2f-host and pam_u2f packages allows integration with browsers and PAM (Pluggable Authentication Modules) for system-level U2F support.

5. CentOS and RHEL (7 and later)

   • CentOS 7, RHEL 7, and later versions offer limited U2F support, with better compatibility in CentOS/RHEL 8. Installing libu2f-host enables U2F functionality with compatible browsers.

6. Linux Mint (18 and later)

   • Based on Ubuntu, Linux Mint supports FIDO U2F starting from version 18. Installing libu2f-host is recommended for compatibility with Firefox, Chrome, and other applications.

Each of these distributions provides FIDO U2F support, primarily through browser and PAM configurations, enabling U2F functionality for secure logins and authentication.