An Overview of Windows Hello for Business for Cloud and Hybrid Environments

Are your users tired of typing in their 15+ character passwords every fifteen minutes? With increasing cybersecurity threats and the rising costs of managing password-related breaches, organizations are seeking innovative ways to enhance security while maintaining user convenience. Microsoft’s Windows Hello for Business (WHfB) offers a robust solution for organizations looking to adopt a passwordless future. This blog explores why implementing WHfB is beneficial and outlines its deployment in cloud-only (Entra ID) environments and hybrid environments.

Why Windows Hello for Business?

Windows Hello for Business is more than just a feature; it’s a transformation in how users authenticate. Here’s why organizations should consider implementing it:

1. Enhanced Security – WHfB replaces passwords with authentication methods such as biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition) or PINs. These methods are tied to the specific device, making them highly resistant to phishing attacks and credential theft.
2. Improved User Experience – Users no longer need to remember complex passwords. Logging in is quick, seamless, and secure, reducing frustration and enhancing productivity.
3. Cost Savings – Organizations spend significant time and resources managing password resets. By eliminating passwords, WHfB reduces helpdesk calls and administrative overhead.

Implementing Windows Hello for Business in Cloud-Only Environments

For organizations fully embracing the cloud through Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), deploying WHfB is straightforward and aligns with cloud-first strategies.

Refer to this documentation from Microsoft: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/deploy/cloud-only?tabs=intune

Key Steps:

1. Prepare Your Environment
   • Ensure all devices run Windows 10 or Windows 11.
   • Verify that Entra ID is properly configured.
2. Configure Policies in Intune
   • Use Microsoft Intune to create and deploy WHfB policies. Key settings include enabling biometrics, PIN complexity, and requiring WHfB for sign-in.
3. Enroll Devices
   • When users log in to their cloud-joined devices, they will be prompted to set up WHfB. This process involves registering their biometrics or PIN securely with Entra ID.
4. Monitor and Troubleshoot
   • Use the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center to monitor deployment progress and address any configuration issues.

Implementing Windows Hello for Business in Hybrid Environments

For organizations operating in a hybrid model with both on-premises Active Directory (AD) and Entra ID, WHfB offers a unified solution. Deploying it in this scenario requires additional configuration to ensure seamless integration across on-premises and cloud resources.

Hybrid Cloud Kerberos Trust Model

One of the recommended approaches for hybrid environments is the Kerberos trust model. This method eliminates the need for certificates while enabling secure authentication to on-premises resources. I strongly recommend this approach.

When initially researching the configuration, I thought it would be much more complex and involved, but Microsoft’s documentation lays out the steps nicely, and it only took a few hours to configure and test this on my first deployment.

You’ll need to follow the steps in the two links below:

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/authentication/howto-authentication-passwordless-security-key-on-premises#install-the-azureadhybridauthenticationmanagement-module
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/deploy/hybrid-cloud-kerberos-trust?tabs=intune

Here’s a summary of the steps:

1. Install the AzureADHybridAuthenticationManagement Module
   • Follow the steps outlined in the Microsoft documentation to install and configure the module.
2. Enable Key Trust Authentication
   • Use PowerShell to configure your environment for Kerberos trust.
   • Be sure to develop a process internally to rotate the Kerberos keys on a regular basis.
3. Configure Group Policy or Intune for WHfB
   • I recommend using Intune, but Group Policy is an option.
   • Set up WHfB policies to enforce PINs, biometrics, and other configurations to your organization’s desires.
4. Test and Validate
   • Verify that users can access both on-premises and cloud resources using WHfB without needing passwords.

Conclusion

Windows Hello for Business can be a game changer for your organization’s users, offering unmatched security and user convenience. Whether your organization is fully cloud-based or operating in a hybrid model, WHfB can be tailored to meet your needs. By implementing this modern authentication solution, you can enhance security, improve user experience, and reduce costs—all while positioning your organization for the future.

Ready to embrace passwordless authentication? Explore how WHfB can transform your organization today. For assistance with deployment, reach out to our team of experts!