FAQs for hybrid FIDO2 security key deployment - Microsoft Entra (2023)

FAQs

How do I deploy FIDO2 security keys? ›

Enable with Intune for all users

To use FIDO2 keys on Windows devices for all users in your tenant: Either click on the following link, or access Intune, then click on “Enroll devices”, “Windows Hello for Business”. Windows devices enrollment | Intune. Click on Use security keys for sign-in, and set it to Enabled.

Configuration. The first task is to enable Credential Provider to devices that will be used in the FIDO2 scenario. The easiest approach is to use Intune for configuration and create necessary profile configuration for AAD Joined Windows 10 devices.

All versions of the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge support Fido2. Support on Microsoft Edge legacy was added in 1903.

Hybrid Azure AD join isn't supported for Windows Server running the Domain Controller (DC) role. Hybrid Azure AD join isn't supported on Windows down-level devices when using credential roaming or user profile roaming or mandatory profile. Server Core OS doesn't support any type of device registration.

FIDO2 security keys

Use Windows 10 (ver1903) or later.

FIDO2 security keys

Sign in using a PIN or biometric recognition (facial, iris, or fingerprint) with Windows devices. Windows Hello authentication is tied to the device; the user needs both the device and a sign-in component such as a PIN or biometric factor to access corporate resources.

Also known as knowledge-based authentication, password-based authentication relies on a username and password or PIN. The most common authentication method, anyone who has logged in to a computer knows how to use a password. Password-based authentication is the easiest authentication type for adversaries to abuse.

Cloud authentication: Password hash synchronization. Effort. Password hash synchronization requires the least effort regarding deployment, maintenance, and infrastructure.

With FIDO2, there is no need to replace passwords, as there are no passwords required. For those combining a hardware authenticator with a PIN, it's important to note that PINs do not demand the same security requirement as a password.

Microsoft Entra is the vision for identity and access that expands beyond identity and access management with new product categories such as cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM) and decentralized identity.

What is the difference between PKI and FIDO2? ›

FIDO protocols can be used to verify code-signed applications within the domain, while PKI solutions are better suited for verifying code-signed applications and installations outside the domain, at least for the time being. FIDO protocols do not support disk encryption.

Authenticator Certification Level 2 (L2) evaluates FIDO Authenticator protection against basic, scalable attacks. For L2, the Authenticator is required to conform to a solution included in FIDO Allowed Restricted Operating Environment and Allowed Cryptography lists as part of the Authenticator Security Requirements.

Hybrid Azure AD Joined – The Windows 365 Cloud PC Joined to on-premises AD, and Azure AD requires an organizational account to sign in to the Cloud PCs. Azure AD joined – The Windows 365 Cloud PC Joined only to Azure AD requiring an organizational account to sign in to the Cloud PCs.

Disadvantages of FIDO2

Users are required to undergo an additional security step instead of quickly typing in their password (or having it automatically filled in by a browser). While this step enhances security, it can also make logging into multiple FIDO2-enabled websites throughout the day cumbersome.

FIDO 2 is a passwordless standard that is easy to use, and very secure. It uses public key cryptography, which makes it virtually impossible for a hacker to find a way to access your account.

Benefits ofFIDO Authentication

FIDO2 cryptographic login credentials are unique across every website, never leave the user's device and are never stored on a server. This security model eliminates the risks of phishing, all forms of password theft and replay attacks.

The WebAuthn component of FIDO2 is backwards-compatible with FIDO U2F authenticators via the CTAP1 protocol in the WebAuthn specifications.

Authentication factors can be classified into three groups: something you know: a password or personal identification number (PIN); something you have: a token, such as bank card; something you are: biometrics, such as fingerprints and voice recognition.

FIDO U2F is the most secure form of 2FA that prevents against password cracking, man-in-the-middle, and phishing attacks. Learn more about FIDO U2F here. There are many forms of 2FA, some of which are stronger than others.

What is the strongest authentication factor? ›

The Inherence Factor is often said to be the strongest of all authentication factors. The Inherence Factor asks the user to confirm their identity by presenting evidence inherent to their unique features.

Microsoft's identity solutions span on-premises and cloud-based capabilities. These solutions create a common user identity for authentication and authorization to all resources, regardless of location. We call this hybrid identity. Hybrid identity is accomplished through provisioning and synchronization.

The most commonly adopted and recommended authentication mechanism is EAP. An added advantage of EAP is that it supports both types of authentication.

Explanation: Passwords are considered to be the weakest form of the authentication mechanism because these password strings can...

PIN Requirements

FIDO2 PINs can be up to 63 alphanumeric characters (in other words, letters and numbers). For YubiKeys from the 5 FIPS Series, the minimum PIN length is 6. For non-FIPS YubiKeys and Security Keys, the minimum is 4.

The first time the user signs in with a FIDO2 security key, an Internet connection is required. After that, it is possible to sign-in with cached credentials and offline mode is working.

Note: FIDO2 devices have no PIN at the beginning, but supports PIN setting. The PIN code length is limited to 4-63 digits.

I guess we all knew it was coming (after all, Microsoft published message center notification MC477013 in December 2022), but the news that the Microsoft Entra admin center (Figure 1) will replace the Azure AD admin center from April 1, 2023 is yet another example of the ongoing and constant changes in Microsoft 365.

Microsoft Entra Verified ID is a decentralized identity solution that helps you safeguard your organization. The service allows you to issue and verify credentials. Issuers can use the Verified ID service to issue their own customized verifiable credentials.

Microsoft Entra Identity Governance Preview capabilities are currently available with an Azure AD Premium P2 subscription or free trial: Azure AD Premium P2 is included with Microsoft 365 E5 and offers a free 30-day trial.

What are examples of FIDO2? ›

Popular examples are Mac Touch ID, Windows Hello, and fingerprint scanners.

Web Authentication (WebAuthn), a core component of FIDO Alliance's FIDO2 set of specifications, is a web-based API that allows websites to update their login pages to add FIDO-based authentication on supported browsers and platforms.

We like to differentiate between "out-of-band" and "on-device" authentication. Out-of-band (push): The user wants to authenticate somewhere else, e.g. in a browser on a desktop PC, and the (FIDO2) credential on the phone is used through a mobile app as an additional external authentication factor.

A Security Key is a small physical device used for additional security next to your password and is considered to be one of the most secure ways of two-factor authentication (2FA). Most Security Keys are very simple to use and you only need to touch or tap a button while it is plugged into the USB port of your device.

With FIDO2, there is no need to replace passwords, as there are no passwords required. For those combining a hardware authenticator with a PIN, it's important to note that PINs do not demand the same security requirement as a password.

To set up passwordless SSH you must configure the mqm id on each node, then generate a key on each node for that user. You then distribute the keys to the other nodes, and test the connection to add each node to the list of known hosts. Finally you lock down the mqm id .

When prompted to authenticate, you simply tap the physical key. There's no need to use your smartphone, and the same security key can be used on multiple devices.

Windows users may use a security key, e.g. from Yubico or Feitian Technology, to sign-in to Microsoft Accounts in Microsoft Edge. The list of features that security keys need to support is listed on the Microsoft Docs website. FIDO2-based security keys may be plugged into USB ports of Windows 10 devices.

Can FIDO2 be hacked? ›

FIDO 2 is a passwordless standard that is easy to use, and very secure. It uses public key cryptography, which makes it virtually impossible for a hacker to find a way to access your account.

Security key leverages FIDO's U2F (Universal Second Factor) protocol that helps prevent users from accidentally falling victim to any phishing attacks. It only authenticates and authorizes users on the correct domain even if they mistakenly register the key on the wrong website.

A USB security key plugs into your computer's USB port and functions as an extra layer of security that's used in Online Banking to increase limits for certain transfer types.

How to Get Physical Security Key. There are two ways you can get physical security key to secure your computer better. You can buy one from a few different vendors, including Google, YubiKey, and Thetis. You can also make one on your own (turning a USB flash drive into a security key).

The id_rsa is the private key, don't want to give this key to anyone. In this case, since we are going to generate two ssh keys, we don't want to keep the default file name, set it to whatever name you want by giving it /Users/sprlwrks/. ssh/file_name .

Sign in to your Microsoft Account Additional security options. Under Password-free account, select Turn on. Follow the prompts to verify your account. Approve the request sent to your Microsoft Authenticator app.