Microsoft Seeks iPhone, Android Support to Push Windows Hello Security

“…users may soon be able to log into their Windows 10 PCs via fingerprint scan on a personal iPhone or Android device…”

Microsoft is reaching out to rivals’ tech ecosystems to help push Windows 10 users beyond the password.

Speaking at Microsoft’s Ignite developer conference, senior OS security executive Anoosh Saboori said that the company is working on allowing users to leverage the biometrics of third-party smartphones for authentication. That means users may soon be able to log into their Windows 10 PCs via fingerprint scan on a personal iPhone or Android device, which would unlock the PC through a wireless or USB connection.

Saboori also explained how smart card technology will similarly be incorporated, as will authentication via Yubico’s YubiKey USB key devices. Microsoft is reportedly even working to enable login support for the Nymi Band, a wearable device that measures a user’s cardiac biometrics for continuous authentication.

Saboori didn’t offer a specific timeline on when these features will appear, but it all points to a focused effort on Microsoft’s part to fully realize the potential of the biometric security enabled by Windows 10’s Windows Hello security system.

Sources: Thurrott, ComputerWorld

–

October 3, 2016 – by Alex Perala