Implement and manage Windows Hello for Business

Windows Hello for Business (WHfB) is a modern authentication method that replaces passwords with strong two-factor authentication on PCs and mobile devices. This system uses a user’s face, fingerprint, or PIN as primary user credentials. WHfB is designed to work with various Microsoft services and platforms, such as Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and Active Directory (AD).

Understanding Windows Hello for Business

Two-factor authentication involves something you know (typically a password) and something you have (like a phone or a fingerprint scanner). WHfB uses key-based or certificate-based authentication methods to enhance security. These methods involve a combination of something you have (a device) and something you know (a PIN), or something you are (biometric).

Deployment Models

Windows Hello for Business supports two key deployment models:

• Cloud Trust: This model is used with Azure AD and doesn’t require PKI or any on-premises infrastructure. It is suitable for organizations that are cloud-only or have a hybrid infrastructure with Azure AD Connect.
• Hybrid Trust: Suitable for organizations that run both on-premises AD and Azure AD, this model uses a combination of on-premises infrastructure and cloud services to authenticate users. It often involves implementing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and AD FS.

Implementation Steps

To implement WHfB effectively, an organization should follow these general steps:

1. Requirements Assessment: Analyze the technical and business requirements to determine which deployment model is best suited for your organization.
2. Planning: Develop an implementation plan that includes user communication, hardware requirements, and a deployment timeline.
3. Infrastructure Setup: Depending on the chosen model, setup the required components. In a hybrid deployment, this might include configuring PKI and AD FS.
4. Policy Configuration: Configure Group Policy Objects (GPOs) or mobile device management (MDM) policies to enable WHfB and manage the settings.
5. Enrollment: Users need to enroll their devices by registering their biometrics or PIN with WHfB.
6. Verification and Testing: Test the WHfB functionality in a pilot group before rolling out to the entire organization.

Managing Windows Hello for Business

Once deployed, WHfB needs to be managed across the environment. This management pertains to user enrollment, device health, and compliance with the organization’s policies.

• Enrollment Management: Admins can monitor the status of user enrollment and assist with issues. Tools like Azure AD and Intune can provide insights and reports on enrollment status.
• Device Compliance: Ensure that devices comply with your security policies, such as TPM version or biometric sensor availability.
• User Support: Create support documents and offer assistance for users encountering problems with WHfB.
• Policy Updates: Regularly review and update policies for WHfB to maintain security and compliance.

Security Considerations

• Biometrics Storage: Biometric data is stored locally on the user’s device and never transmitted over the network.
• Anti-Spoofing Mechanisms: Devices with biometric sensors should have anti-spoofing capabilities to prevent unauthorized access.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chips provide hardware-based security that stores cryptographic keys securely.
• Find my device and Remote Lock: In a scenario where devices are lost or stolen, the ability to locate and lock them is critical.

Recovery and Backup Plans

Implementing a recovery plan is critical. In situations where users cannot authenticate through WHfB, alternatives must be available:

• Fallback to Password: In cases of biometric failure, a PIN or password can provide access.
• Recovery Accounts: Administrative accounts can aid in the unlocking process.
• Backup Authentication Methods: Provide other forms like one-time passcodes or mobile phone verification for authentication.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common issues with WHfB can stem from hardware, software, or user error. Logging and diagnostic tools provided by Microsoft can be used to troubleshoot common issues such as:

• Enrollment problems
• Authentication failures
• Device compatibility issues

In conclusion, Windows Hello for Business is a robust authentication system that enhances enterprise security by eliminating reliance on passwords. Its effective implementation and management require careful planning, infrastructure setup, and ongoing management to ensure that the authentication solution works seamlessly across the organization. With the proper security considerations and recovery strategies in place, WHfB can provide a secure and user-friendly authentication experience.