Microsoft Passwordless is an authentication method that is a form of multi-factor authentication (MFA), which eliminates the need for traditional passwords. This replaces passwords with secure and encrypted verification factors that can be accessed by the end user’s device like a device PIN, authentication app, facial recognition, fingerprint, or cryptographic key.
With Password authentication, the credentials never leave the device, which eliminates many risks. These standards are based on new industry passwordless standards developed by members of the Fast ID Online (FIDO) Alliance. FIDO2-compliant security keys are cryptographic credentials that are available in a variety of form factors including USB keys and NFC-enabled smartcards. They can be protected with another factor such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a device PIN.
We suggest adopting Microsoft’s Strategy with the four steps to password freedom. First, we will want to utilize a password replacement offering. With Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft unleashed Windows Hello for Business. Deploying Windows Hello is the initial step towards a passwordless environment. Another important transition into a passwordless deployment is leveraging the necessary configuration in Azure and Active Directory.
