Microsoft’s Biometric Security Platform Gets FIDO2 Certification

“…Windows Hello is a pioneering security system that allows Windows users to sign into their devices with a fingerprint scan or infrared face scan, provided those technologies are supported on the device.”

Microsoft has attained FIDO2 certification for its Windows Hello authentication platform, dramatically extending the authentication standard’s reach.

Built into the Windows 10 operating system, Windows Hello is a pioneering security system that allows Windows users to sign into their devices with a fingerprint scan or infrared face scan, provided those technologies are supported on the device. Windows Hello was first launched in 2015, and was based on the FIDO Alliance’s authentication standards from the outset, making its certification for the new FIDO2 specification a natural step forward.

The FIDO2 certification effectively means that any device running Windows 10 is FIDO2 Certified right out of the box.

The FIDO2 standard is most notable for extending strong, post-password authentication into the web, allowing end users to log into compatible websites and web apps using a biometric scan or a 2FA security key. This kind of authentication is now supported through the Microsoft Edge browser or through Mozilla Firefox, with further support on other browsers in the pipeline.

Windows Hello’s FIDO2 certification comes soon after the news that the entire Android platform had received FIDO2 certification, and last month’s announcement that any device running Android 7+ can now be used as a FIDO2 security key.