Memory is a strange thing and works in stranger ways. We tend to remember the date, day, and even time of some of the special occasions or things that characterize our loved ones. Unfortunately, passwords are not on that list. For apps and websites, password recovery is relatively easy. However, for devices, especially in business environments, recovery isn’t always straightforward. Hence, it’s human to be grateful to Microsoft for Windows Hello.
Traditional device scenarios forced users to choose easy-to-guess or weak passwords. For complex passwords, the tendency to write them down was prevalent. Adopting the same password for different apps and websites is, in fact, still a common practice. Strong support for this argument comes from a survey conducted on IT professionals—30% of them admitted to having experienced a password-related data breach.
Windows Hello, a pioneering strong authentication system by Microsoft, redefines how users access their devices and applications. In this blog, we will get into Windows Hello for Business and how organizations can use a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution to manage Windows Hello for Business.
What is Windows Hello?
Windows Hello for Business (WHfB) provides biometric and multi-factor authentication to grant users access to their devices, data, applications, and services. Whether facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or iris detection, deploying Windows Hello for Business empowers users to authenticate effortlessly, eliminating the need to remember complex passwords. The feature is available from Windows 10 onward.
The sign-in mechanism of Windows Hello serves as an alternative to passwords. It is generally regarded as a more user-friendly, secure, and dependable way to access crucial devices and data than the conventional method of logging in with passwords.
Windows Hello & FIDO (Fast IDentity Online)
With password authentication methodologies like FIDO set to rule the future, Windows Hello for Business is expected to play a significant role. Incorporating the FIDO specification enables Microsoft’s partners to offer security keys, adding an extra layer of protection for signing in through Windows Hello.
The FIDO specification, established in 2014 by the FIDO Alliance comprising over 250 companies, originated from a founding group consisting of PayPal, Lenovo, Nok Nok Labs, Validity Sensors, Infineon, and Agnitio. FIDO authentication technology is currently integrated into numerous devices, as stated by the alliance.
Additionally, Microsoft has endorsed the most recent iteration of the security protocol, FIDO2, enabling users to utilize standards-based devices like USB security keys for heightened security measures when logging into Microsoft accounts.
How Windows Hello for Business Works (and Its Benefits)
Windows Hello isn’t just another authentication method; it’s a sophisticated system that revolutionizes how users interact with their devices and applications. Windows Hello for Business extends the capabilities of Windows Hello by offering enterprise-level security and management features, such as device attestation, certificate-based authentication, and conditional access policies. Let’s look into its core elements and their innate benefits.
Biometric Authentication
At the heart of Windows Hello for Business lies biometric authentication, a cutting-edge technology that verifies a user’s identity based on unique physical characteristics. Whether it’s facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or iris detection, biometric authentication offers a level of security unparalleled by traditional password-based systems.
Facial Recognition
Facial recognition technology analyzes distinctive facial features, such as the arrangement of eyes, nose, and mouth, to create a unique biometric profile for each user. Windows Hello leverages advanced algorithms to capture and authenticate facial data, ensuring accuracy and reliability even in varying lighting conditions.
Fingerprint Scanning
Fingerprint scanning transforms the unique patterns on an individual’s fingertips into digital signatures for authentication. Windows Hello for Business utilizes state-of-the-art fingerprint sensors to capture and match fingerprint data with unparalleled precision, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a seamless and secure authentication experience.
Iris Detection
Iris detection takes biometric authentication to the next level by analyzing the intricate patterns of the iris, the colored part of the eye. Windows Hello for Business employs specialized cameras to capture high-resolution images of the iris, enabling swift and accurate authentication while maintaining user privacy.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
In addition to biometric authentication, Windows Hello for Business incorporates multifactor authentication (MFA) to fortify security further. MFA combines two or more independent factors, such as something you know (e.g., a PIN) and something you are (e.g., biometric data), to verify a user’s identity, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
PIN Authentication
Windows Hello for Business allows users to set up a personal identification number (PIN) as an additional authentication factor. Unlike traditional passwords, PINs are tied to specific devices and are less susceptible to phishing attacks or brute-force cracking, enhancing security without sacrificing convenience.
Keyless Convenience
Gone are the days of fumbling with passwords or typing lengthy passphrases. With Windows Hello, users can authenticate seamlessly without needing physical keys or tokens, streamlining the authentication process and boosting productivity.
Advanced Security Features
Windows Hello incorporates advanced security features to safeguard user data and privacy. Windows Hello adheres to stringent security standards to thwart potential threats and vulnerabilities, from encrypted biometric data storage to secure handshake protocols.
How to Set Up Windows Hello Facial, Fingerprint, and PIN Recognition?
Traditional passwords can be cumbersome and are often vulnerable to attacks, which is why biometric authentication is becoming the preferred method for accessing devices. Windows Hello offers a more secure, convenient, and faster way to log in to your Windows device using facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or a PIN.
After the following steps, you are set up with Windows Hello face, finger, and PIN recognition:
Steps to set up with face, finger, and PIN recognition on Windows Hello.
Controlling Windows Hello for Business Using UEM
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) plays a critical role in the modern workplace, enabling businesses to manage and secure various endpoints, including those utilizing authentication via Windows Hello for Business.
A UEM solution like Scalefusion enables IT admins to set up Windows Hello configurations and deploy them to managed Windows 10 and 11 devices. Leveraging Microsoft Entra joined devices supported by Scalefusion, administrators can enhance device security by configuring Windows Hello settings.
Prerequisites to Control Windows Hello Settings on Managed Devices
Some critical prerequisites to control Windows Hello settings on managed devices from the Scalefusion dashboard are:
- The device must be Windows 10 (or Windows 11)
- Admin must log into the dashboard using O365 credentials
- Entra ID setup must be complete
- The device should be enrolled using Entra ID
Once the above parameters are met, admins can start managing Windows Hello configuration.
Configure Windows Hello for Business Using Scalefusion
Scalefusion UEM lets admins configure Windows Hello for Business settings based on organizational requirements. To begin with, admins must enable Windows Hello on the Scalefusion dashboard. Another option is enabling Windows Hello only on devices with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip.
Additionally, admins can choose to enable or disable biometric authentication. PIN settings can be configured similarly to how passcode policies are set from the Scalefusion dashboard. The settings include PIN complexity (length, digits, lowercase, uppercase, special characters), PIN expiration, and PIN history.
Connect with our experts to schedule a demo and learn more about how Scalefusion UEM can help configure Windows Hello for Business. Get started today with a 14-day free trial.
Reference:
1. GoodFirms
FAQ
1. How do I set up Windows Hello for Business (WHfB)?
To set up Windows Hello for Business, you’ll need to follow the device enrollment process. This involves creating a PIN or using biometric methods like fingerprint or facial recognition. Once a user signs in, their private key is securely stored on the device and protected, ensuring it is never sent to external devices.
2. What are the prerequisites for enabling Windows Hello for Business?
The prerequisites include having a Microsoft Active Directory, Azure AD, or Microsoft Entra ID infrastructure. Devices should be running Windows 10 version 1703 or later, and there must be facial recognition sensors or fingerprint readers available. You will also need to configure Group Policy Objects (GPOs) and cloud trust deployment policies.
3. How does Microsoft Windows Hello for Business improve security?
Windows Hello for Business enhances security by using two-factor authentication that combines a PIN or biometric gesture with a private key stored on the device. This private key is protected and never sent to external devices or servers, making it much more difficult for attackers to compromise your credentials.
4. What’s the difference between using Windows Hello and a password?
When you use Windows Hello, the user signs in to their device with a PIN or biometric instead of a password. Passwords can be shared or stolen, but a PIN credential is tied to a specific device and never leaves it. This provides a zero trust security model, significantly improving overall security compared to traditional passwords.
5. Can Windows Hello for Business be used in a hybrid environment?
Yes, Windows Hello for Business supports both on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD setups, making it ideal for hybrid environments. It supports cloud trust and virtual smart cards, allowing users to access corporate resources securely in various deployment models.
6. Does Windows Hello for Business support FIDO2 authentication?
Yes, Windows Hello for Business supports FIDO2 authentication protocols, allowing users to sign in using passwords with strong two-factor authentication mechanisms. This includes using PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition, and provides a secure, password-less experience.
7. What role does group policy play in Windows Hello for Business?
Group Policy Objects (GPOs) are essential for managing the deployment and configuration of Windows Hello for Business in an enterprise environment. They allow administrators to control PIN complexity, enable biometric sign-in, and apply other security policies to ensure that access to corporate resources meets organizational standards.
8. Can Windows Hello for Business be used on personal devices (BYOD)?
Yes, bring your own device (BYOD) scenarios are supported in Windows Hello for Business. Users can enroll their personal devices by following the device enrollment process and sign in using PIN or biometric methods to access corporate applications securely.
