SINGAPORE, October 21, 2024 – HID, a global leader in identity solutions, has announced a new milestone in its partnership with Microsoft, introducing an integration that allows employees to use physical access cards as a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method for Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365. This move marks a significant step toward simplifying the deployment of MFA and accelerating the adoption of passwordless authentication.
Through this integration, organizations can now use existing access cards as an authentication factor, helping them meet Microsoft’s mandatory MFA requirements while transitioning toward phishing-resistant, passwordless authentication. This solution offers organizations greater flexibility in tailoring their MFA approach, supporting both early-stage and advanced passwordless journeys.
Eleanor Falla, Senior Product Manager for Microsoft Security, emphasized the importance of MFA in safeguarding digital identities: “The Microsoft Entra ID External Authentication Method (EAM) enables organizations to choose the third-party MFA solution that best suits their needs. HID’s integration brings flexibility and convenience, allowing users to use existing physical cards for both facility access and digital resource authentication.”
A recent Microsoft study found that implementing MFA reduced the risk of security breaches by over 99.2%. HID’s new integration with Microsoft Entra ID is powered by the HID Authentication Platform, a cloud-based service that helps organizations seamlessly meet MFA requirements while ensuring data security through advanced cryptographic techniques.
“Our partnership with Microsoft continues to drive innovations in MFA,” said Sean Dyon, Director of Strategic Alliances at HID. “We’re committed to offering solutions that fit organizations at every stage of their passwordless journey, with extensive MFA options designed to optimize user experience and change management.”
Key Features:
- Tailored MFA Options: HID offers a range of authentication methods, including hardware OTP tokens, security keys, smart cards with FIDO technology, and physical access cards, allowing organizations to customize their MFA journey.
- Convenience: HID is the first vendor to enable the use of physical access cards for Microsoft Entra ID, combining physical and digital security in one solution without requiring users to install software on personal devices.
- Enhanced Security: Leveraging over two decades of expertise, HID’s solutions allow rapid MFA deployment that meets Microsoft’s requirements while maintaining productivity and security.
With this integration, HID and Microsoft are setting a new standard for flexibility, convenience, and security in the world of multi-factor authentication.