The end of Windows Hello, or a new biometric dawn? — Microsoft unveils a new facial recognition security system
Microsoft has unveiled a new facial recognition security tool that should help companies ensure their systems remain safe and protected.
The company says its new Face Check tool for Microsoft Entra Verified ID “provides a secure and easy-to-use experience for digitally verifying many aspects of our identity.”
Microsoft says the new tool will be especially useful in the workplace and education, providing businesses and other organizations with a much more secure way to provide access.
Face check for Microsoft Entra verified ID
“As fraud for businesses and consumers skyrockets and fraud tactics become more complex – especially with advances in generative AI – identity verification has never been more important,” said Ankur Patel, Head of Product for Microsoft Entra Verified ID. blog post announce the news.
The company views the enhanced system as a digital equivalent of a physical ID card, such as a driver’s license or passport, providing a fast and secure way to confirm your identity, especially as businesses face increasing fraud and identity theft.
Microsoft says the controls can be useful in situations such as authenticating an employee trying to access HR or payroll information, or a user trying to reset or set a new password.
The technology is based on open standards, with verification performed via a simple API, all powered by Microsoft Azure AI tools. It works by matching a user’s real-time selfie with their ID photo (such as a passport or driver’s license) to verify a user’s identity.
Microsoft says that because it only shares competition results and not sensitive identity data, Face Check can provide enhanced user privacy while allowing organizations to ensure authentic identities.
Face Check is available starting today and the company says it can be set up in less than five minutes, with users providing a photo of their Microsoft 365 account and the Microsoft Authenticator app performing the verification process.
It remains to be seen whether the feature will be implemented in or even replaced by Windows Hello, the company’s current biometric authentication tool. Announced in 2016, the system allows users to access their devices via facial recognition or a fingerprint scan, in addition to more traditional security tools such as a PIN.