When Microsoft first announced its new biometric features for Windows 10 there was an additional option for enterprise users to manage website access using Windows Hello for biometric authentication.
At that time it was called Microsoft Passport. If that sounds familiar then it should because it is actually a recycled name for Microsoft as Passport was the predecessor to the Microsoft Account.
In a new white paper from Microsoft IT's Showcase series, we are learning that this feature has been renamed to Windows Hello for Business and is a critical option for improving the security of your users data and their systems.
"The Windows Hello for Business feature is a private and public key or certificate-based authentication approach that goes beyond passwords. This form of authentication relies on key pair credentials that can replace passwords and are resistant to breaches, thefts, and phishing."
Some of the key features of Windows Hello for Business according to the white paper include:
- It uses existing infrastructure
- It uses a PIN
- It provides easy certificate renewal
- It permits single sign on
- It is compatible with remote access
- It uses biometrics
The document goes on to discuss enrollment, setup, the required physical hardware, service roles, services and service workflow.
The Microsoft IT team also includes their lessons learned implementing this technology and this should prove to be a great assistance to you and your organization as you consider implementing it.
Although the hardware for Windows Hello facial recognition is not widely available yet there are plenty of USB fingerprint readers, which can provide biometric authentication for your users under Windows Hello for Business, which are easily obtained from Amazon for desktops and laptops.
When it comes to security every little bit helps and the upcoming Windows 10 Anniversary Update adds even more security related strength to the desktop than we even saw last year when the OS was first released. When you add those things together with the experience of a company like Microsoft sharing their own first-hand work - it can be very valuable as you consider your migration options.
But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.
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