eWBM Announces Biometric Security Key for Azure AD

“The G320 is one of only a small number of such biometric security keys on the market now…”

eWBM has added another device to its Goldengate lineup of security keys. The new offering, dubbed the ‘G320’, is a FIDO2/U2F-compliant USB-C key that can support Microsoft Azure Active Directory, and features a built-in fingerprint sensor.

The latter is particularly important in ensuring an extremely high level of security. USB security keys are already valuable as second factor authentication tools: by inserting a key into a laptop or computer and then tapping it during the authentication, a given user can verify that they are actually present at the authenticating device. Adding a biometric scan to that security key means that the user can also confirm that they are precisely who they claim to be, rather than a potential malefactor who has somehow obtained the necessary security key.

The G320 is one of only a small number of such biometric security keys on the market now, and eWBM claims that its compatibility with Azure AD makes it an industry first.

Commenting in a statement, eWBM CEO Stephen Oh said that the device’s launch marks the first time that users with devices that only have USB-C ports can “enjoy biometric based passwordless login”.

The company says it worked with Microsoft to develop the solution, and for the latter’s part, the Partner Director of Program Management for Microsoft Identity division, Sue Bohn, emphasized the importance of biometric security solutions. “Passwords alone are no longer an effective security mechanism,” she said, adding later, “We are pleased to see companies like eWBM support our passwordless journey by integrating their solutions with Microsoft Azure Active Directory, Microsoft Account (Outlook, Hotmail), and Windows 10.”

The news comes after eWBM joined the FIDO Alliance Board of Directors last year, further illustrating the company’s commitment to strong, post-password authentication security.

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February 25, 2020 – by Alex Perala