Multimodal biometrics will be at the heart of Windows 10, with the software giant saying that iris, fingerprint and facial authentication are more personal and offer superior security then traditional passwords.In a 17 March blogpost that coincided with the announcement that Windows 10 will launch this summer, Microsoft revealed a range of new details on how the biometric system, known as Windows Hello, will be used with the new operating system.”With Windows Hello, you'll be able to just show your face, or touch your finger, to new devices running Windows 10 and be immediately recognized. And not only is Windows Hello more convenient than typing a password-it's more secure!” The firm adds that there will be plenty of new Windows 10 devices to choose from which will support Windows Hello. For instance, all OEM systems incorporating the Intel RealSense 3D Camera (F200) will support the facial and iris unlock features of Windows Hello, including automatic sign-in to Windows, and support to unlock “Passport” without the need for a PIN.If the device already has a fingerprint reader, users will be able to use Windows Hello to unlock that device. For facial or iris detection, Windows Hello uses a combination of special hardware and software to accurately verify it is you – not a picture of you or someone trying to impersonate you.For Windows Hello, cameras will use infrared technology to identify your face or iris and can recognize you in a variety of lighting conditions.”Of course, convenience and simplicity should never sacrifice security and privacy. Windows Hello offers enterprise-grade security that will meet the requirements of organizations with some of the strictest requirements and regulations. It's a solution that government, defense, financial, health care and other related organizations will use to enhance their overall security, with a simple experience designed to delight.”The solution will also work with online authentication: “Windows 10 will ask you to verify that you have possession of your device before it authenticates on your behalf, with a PIN or Windows Hello on devices with biometric sensors. Once authenticated with “Passport”, you will be able to instantly access a growing set of websites and services across a range of industries – favorite commerce sites, email and social networking services, financial institutions, business networks and more.””Passport” also will work with thousands of enterprise Azure Active Directory services at launch, and Microsoft has joined the FIDO alliance to support replacing passwords with a growing set of financial, consumer, and other security services over time. Highlighting the recent spate of high-profile password hacks, the blog post adds that all biometric data will be stored on devices. In February, Microsoft revealed that Windows 10 will support technical standards developed by the Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) Alliance, an industry consortium delivering standards for simpler, stronger authentication (including biometrics) during online transactions.
Say Hello to biometric logins with Windows 10
