OneSpan Acquires Nok Nok Labs to Lead the Charge on Passwordless Future

In a decisive move that could reshape the authentication market, OneSpan has acquired Nok Nok Labs, a foundational player in the FIDO Alliance and one of the most influential developers of passwordless authentication technology. The acquisition is a strategic swing for OneSpan as it seeks to broaden its identity security platform and cement its role in the transition away from passwords toward modern, open-standard authentication.

The deal folds Nok Nok’s FIDO-centric software into OneSpan’s already expanding digital identity portfolio, which includes recently launched FIDO2 security keys and legacy solutions like Digipass and Cronto transaction signing. The combined platform aims to deliver a full spectrum of authentication methods—cloud or on-prem, software or hardware, OTP or FIDO—to meet the varied and complex needs of global enterprises.

“This is more than an acquisition — it’s a bold step toward providing customers with maximum choice in authentication,” said Victor Limongelli, CEO at OneSpan. “We’re evolving our entire authentication platform to include FIDO standards because we believe passwordless is an important part of the future.”

It’s a calculated move at a time when organizations are under pressure to simplify access without compromising security. Cyber threats continue to exploit password-based systems, and with tightening regulations and increasing customer expectations around digital identity, passwordless solutions like those championed by Nok Nok have gained serious traction.

Founded by a cadre of security industry veterans, Nok Nok helped spearhead the creation of FIDO standards that aim to replace passwords with cryptographically secure, device-based authentication. Its software supports FIDO2 and UAF protocols and is deployed across major financial institutions and tech companies in North America, Europe, and Asia.

“Joining OneSpan marks an exciting new chapter for our team and our technology,” said Phillip Dunkelberger, President & CEO at Nok Nok. “We’ve always believed that open standards like FIDO are an important part of the future of authentication, and with OneSpan’s global reach and innovation engine, we’re now poised to bring our vision to an even broader audience.”

This acquisition doesn’t just give OneSpan a foothold in the FIDO software market—it grants it access to deep expertise in passwordless authentication and a proven, standards-aligned technology stack.

“This is an exciting combination for the FIDO Alliance and the authentication market in general,” said Andrew Shikiar, Executive Director & CEO of the FIDO Alliance. “Nok Nok has been a trailblazer in the FIDO ecosystem, and we’re thrilled to see their innovation carried forward through OneSpan’s global reach and resources.”

For OneSpan, which has traditionally been known for strong authentication in financial services and secure e-signature solutions, this acquisition represents a doubling down on identity assurance at a time when phishing-resistant authentication is becoming not just a feature, but a requirement.

The integration roadmap includes unifying Nok Nok’s passwordless architecture with OneSpan’s broader platform, bringing streamlined deployment options for banks, insurers, and enterprises navigating complex compliance regimes. It’s a clear bet that flexible, standards-based identity solutions—rooted in the hardware users already carry—are where the authentication market is headed.

And with this move, OneSpan wants to be the company leading it there.