Spear phishing is a highly targeted cyberattack where attackers impersonate trusted sources to trick specific individuals or organizations into revealing sensitive information, clicking malicious links, or installing malware. Unlike generic phishing, spear phishing relies on detailed research—using sources like LinkedIn, company websites, and social media—to craft personalized and convincing messages. Attackers exploit psychological tactics such as urgency, authority, and familiarity to increase the chances of success. These attacks often target employees with access to financial systems, sensitive data, or privileged accounts. Once the victim interacts with the malicious content, attackers can steal credentials, gain network access, or conduct fraud. Spear phishing is more successful and costly than standard phishing because of its precision and realism. Preventing it requires vigilance, verifying unusual requests, and using phishing-resistant authentication methods like passkeys or security keys.
Hideez Blog | Identity Management News, Best practices & Tips
Microsoft Authenticator is a mobile app that replaces SMS-based verification with secure, device-based authentication. It supports time-based one-time passwords, push notifications, and passwordless sign-in using biometrics or device PINs. The app integrates tightly with Microsoft accounts, Azure AD, and Microsoft 365 while also supporting third-party services that use TOTP. Advanced features such as number matching, cloud backup, app lock, and jailbreak or root detection make it suitable for enterprise and regulated environments. Compared to SMS and phone calls, authenticator-based methods offer faster, more reliable, and significantly stronger security. Google Authenticator provides a simpler alternative focused on basic code generation, while Microsoft Authenticator functions as a full authentication platform. Overall, Microsoft Authenticator is best suited for organizations and security-conscious users who require compliance, device verification, and centralized management.
YubiKey is a hardware security key that provides strong, phishing-resistant authentication using tamper-resistant hardware. It works by generating cryptographic keys that stay securely on the device and are never shared with online services. YubiKey supports multiple authentication standards, including FIDO2/WebAuthn, U2F, OTP, PIV smart card, and OpenPGP, making it suitable for both modern and legacy systems. Unlike software-based authenticators, it requires physical user presence, which helps prevent malware and remote attacks. Different YubiKey models offer various connectors, NFC support, and biometric options to fit different devices and use cases. For enterprise environments, alternatives such as Hideez, Thales, and Token2 may be considered depending on workflow, PKI, and hybrid authentication needs. Choosing the right security key depends on how well it fits the organization’s overall authentication landscape.
Even if you aren’t very much into cybersecurity and are not particularly tech-savvy, you’ve probably heard about the term phishing. But, do you know how it works and what the most common forms of phishing are? It’s estimated that around 15 billion spam emails are sent out daily. More worryingly, on average, one in every 99 emails is a phishing attack, meaning that the overall attack rate is just over 1%.
Windows 11 supports several auto-login methods, each with different security implications. Before enabling the feature, users must disable Windows Hello options such as PINs and biometrics. Proximity-based passwordless login, such as the solution offered by Hideez, provides the strongest balance of convenience and security. Sysinternals Autologon is a safer traditional method because it encrypts stored credentials. The classic netplwiz utility is easy to use but less secure. Editing the Registry manually is the least secure because it stores passwords in plaintext. Windows updates or hidden settings may interfere with auto-login, but these issues can usually be resolved through sign-in settings or small Registry adjustments.
Securing RDP with MFA is one of the most impactful ways to stop brute-force attacks, credential misuse, and ransomware entry points. This guide explains why passwords alone are no longer enough and how MFA dramatically strengthens remote access. You’ll learn the differences between RDP and RDS, the role of RD Gateway and NPS, and the pros and cons of each MFA deployment method. The article breaks down Microsoft’s native Entra ID approach, third-party agent installation, network-level solutions, and VPN-based protection. It also provides step-by-step instructions, real-world comparisons of leading MFA tools, and essential features every organization should evaluate. Practical security best practices and troubleshooting tips ensure a smooth rollout. Finally, you’ll discover how specialized solutions like Hideez deliver modern, passwordless MFA without the complexity of RADIUS or proxy layers.
This guide explores how on-premise multi-factor authentication (MFA) gives organizations total control over their identity security. Unlike cloud MFA, it eliminates third-party dependencies and ensures compliance with strict data sovereignty and air-gap requirements. You’ll learn how to protect Active Directory accounts, secure RDP sessions, and enforce MFA across VPNs, ADFS, and legacy systems. The guide breaks down key benefits like offline resilience, simplified compliance, and native AD integration. It also covers deployment models, hardware token options, and strategies for user adoption. Whether managing critical infrastructure or regulated industries, on-prem MFA offers unmatched autonomy and reliability. Discover how Hideez delivers true self-hosted, passwordless security for enterprise environments.
In today’s digital world, Identity as a Service (IDaaS) is essential for securing enterprise access while simplifying authentication. This guide explores the best IDaaS solutions, covering top vendors, implementation best practices, and key selection criteria. Discover how Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and passwordless authentication improve security and user experience. Learn how leading providers like Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, Hideez, and Ping Identity compare in features, scalability, security, and pricing. As businesses move toward passwordless authentication and FIDO standards, adopting the right IDaaS solution ensures future-proof security and compliance.
Identity as a Service (IDaaS) is a cloud-based approach to managing user identities and access that replaces traditional on-premises identity systems. As remote work and distributed environments grow, IDaaS simplifies authentication through centralized login, Single Sign-On (SSO), and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It uses standards like SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect to securely connect users to apps across devices and networks. IDaaS differs from classic IAM by being cloud-hosted and easier to scale, and from IdPs by offering broader tools like governance, auditing, and policy control. Solutions range from basic SSO platforms for small cloud-first businesses to enterprise-grade systems that integrate with complex on-prem infrastructures. Benefits include stronger security, reduced password fatigue, easier compliance, and lower operational overhead. However, challenges such as legacy system integration, migration complexity, user adoption, and reliance on external vendors must be carefully planned for.
