The Windows 10
Technical Review is underway, and Microsoft says that multifactor authentication will be one the new system’s security hallmarks.
Windows 10 will incorporate a multi-factor authentication solution built into the operating system and device itself, which eliminates the need for additional hardware security peripherals. Once enrolled, devices themselves become one of two factors that are required for authentication. The second factor will be a PIN or biometric, such as fingerprint.
“With Windows 10 we’re actively addressing modern security threats with advancements to strengthen identity protection and access control, information protection and threat resistance,” said Jim Alkove, leader of the Windows enterprise program management team, in a
blog. “With this release, we will have nearly everything in place to move the world away from the use of single-factor authentication options, like passwords.”
From a security standpoint, the scheme means that an attacker would need to have a user’s physical device, in addition to the user’s PIN or biometric information.