Microsoft and HID Partnership for Multi-Factor Authentication Using Physical Access Cards

Microsoft has joined forces with HID, a prominent identity solutions provider, to enhance multi-factor authentication (MFA) for employees in the corporate sector. This collaboration introduces a new integration with Microsoft Entra ID, enabling users to utilize their current HID physical access cards as a method for multi-factor authentication, allowing seamless access to Entra ID and Microsoft 365 applications.

In recent years, multi-factor authentication has emerged as a crucial standard for secure access. Traditionally, this has often necessitated the use of a company-issued phone or the installation of authentication applications on personal devices. However, with HID’s latest integration with Entra ID, users can effortlessly leverage their physical access cards to gain entry to applications, eliminating the need for external MFA apps or SMS codes. This innovative collaboration between Microsoft and HID is set to streamline the deployment of MFA, hastening the shift towards a more secure, passwordless authentication approach that is resilient to phishing attempts for businesses.

Eleanor Falla, Senior Product Manager for Microsoft Security, remarked:

“Implementing MFA is a critical move toward safeguarding user identities. The Microsoft Entra ID External Authentication Method (EAM) aims to enhance the capabilities of Entra ID, allowing organizations to incorporate a third-party MFA solution of their choice for fast, straightforward, and secure authentication. The integration with HID provides the flexibility of various authenticators and allows the use of existing physical cards to access both physical locations and digital resources in a multi-factor capacity.”

Sean Dyon, Director of Strategic Alliances at HID, further commented:

“Our longstanding collaboration with Microsoft has resulted in significant advancements in MFA technology as we work towards a passwordless future. Our solutions cater to organizations at any stage of the ‘crawl, walk, run’ methodology to achieve complete phishing-resistant, passwordless authentication. We understand the critical need for efficient change management and enhancing user experiences throughout this journey by offering a wide array of MFA options that accommodate diverse organizational requirements.”

Organizations can utilize the HID Entra ID External Authentication Method (EAM) integration available through the HID Authentication Platform on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace. By simplifying MFA processes and adopting passwordless frameworks, companies can bolster security while reducing barriers for employees.

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