Biometric authentication is becoming a standard. With each and every new mobile/laptop device that comes to the market it comes with the extra normal of enabling consumers to either add a fingerprint or simply let them scan their face, so that the next time they interact with the device and try to sign in, the device is smart enough to recognize them and eventually the login process is easy, sheltered and secure.
In a blog post, Microsoft highlights some of the new companion devices that have come to the market built by the partners since the companion device framework was announced back at Build 2016. With these companion devices, you can have your device to support Windows Hello and hence, use your face or touch to log in to your device. Super fast and secure.
These companion devices are applicable to both consumer and business scenarios. Take a look at each of them below.
Nymi Band
The Nymi Band is a wearable Windows Hello companion device that allows you to sign into your Windows 10 device without a password. Just walk up to your PC wearing the Nymi Band, tap the band to express your intent, and then you’ll be quickly signed into your device. The band does this after Nymi’s HeartID™ technology confirms it’s actually you using your heartbeat and their unique electrocardiogram (ECG) based authentication technology. You can read more about the Nymi Band solution here.
The Nymi Band is a wearable Windows Hello companion device.
YubiKey
The YubiKey from Yubico is a USB connected Windows Hello companion hardware device. By plugging the device into a USB port, the device allows you to quickly and more securely unlock your Windows device. The YubiKey is an inexpensive, practically indestructible device and can support additional two-factor authentication, including NFC, making the YubiKey a great solution for today and the future. You can read more about the Yubikey solution here.
Yubikey works with Windows Hello to unlock your device with USB hardware.
RSA SecureID Access Authenticator
The RSA SecureID Access Authenticator turns existing devices that almost everyone owns into a Windows Hello companion device. The RSA SecurID Access Authenticator app runs on your mobile device and it can remotely sign you into your Windows 10 PC based on your proximity to the device or through the entry of a PIN or biometric verification from the app, depending on certain risk factors. You can read more about the RSA solution here.
The RSA SecureID Access Authenticator lets you verify your identity by shaking or tapping the device.
HID Global Seos card
You might be familiar with HID Global whose cards are used by organizations around the world for IT authentication, building access, time and attendance, and cashless payments. HID Global’s Seos card is an NFC-based companion device that enables you to tap to unlock Windows Hello. By using your employee badge as your Windows companion device, you get the added convenience of using something that you already have with you. A high assurance version of the HID Global card also supports digital signing and encryption based on NIST standards. You can read more about the HID Seos solution here.
