Microsoft’s Azure AD begins public preview of FIDO2 security keys, enabling passwordless logins

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Published onJuly 11, 2019

published onJuly 11, 2019

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Microsoft’sAzure Active Directory (Azure AD)this week began its public preview of support for FIDO2 security keys.

The implementation of FIDO2 technologies allows users to sign into devices and services without the use of a traditional password. In this case, developers will now be able to offer FIDO2 login solutions for Azure AD-connected apps and services.

“Every day, more and more of our customers move to cloud services and applications. They need to know that the data and services stored in these services are secure. Unfortunately, passwords are no longer an effective security mechanism,” Microsoft’s Alex Simons explained in anofficial blog post. “We know from industry analysts that 81 percent of successful cyberattacks begin with a compromised username and password. Additionally, traditional MFA, while very effective, can be hard to use and has a very low adoption rate.”

“It’s clear we need to provide our customers with authentication options that are secure and easy to use, so they can confidently access information without having to worry about hackers taking over their accounts. This is where passwordless authentication comes in. We believe it will help to significantly and permanently reduce the risk of account compromise.”

To coincide with the added support for FIDO2 security keys, Microsoft, today, also announced a partnership with Feitian Technologies, HID Global, and Yubico, three companies that specialize in the creation of modern secure login hardware using biometrics, NFC and USB security keys, and smart cards.

All three companies are currently offering discounts on their hardware for organisations interested in investing in bulk. Details on each offer can be foundhere.

Microsoft beganworking with the FIDO organization way back in 2013and has since been an active party in developing newer and more secure technologies. The company’s own Windows Hello login methodgained FIDO2 certificationin May.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Microsoft’s Azure AD begins public preview of FIDO2 security keys, enabling passwordless logins