Hideez Blog | Identity Management News, Best practices & Tips

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.

Windows 10 auto login can save time by bypassing passwords at startup, but traditional methods like netplwiz or Microsoft’s Autologon tool have limitations, such as breaking after updates or introducing security risks. Hideez offers a proximity-based authentication solution that automatically locks and unlocks workstations using Bluetooth or NFC, ensuring security without manual logins. Users can authenticate via the Hideez Key or the mobile app, using Bluetooth auto-unlock, QR code scanning, or NFC tap methods. Hideez also enables seamless automatic login to web services or local applications with the same credentials. The system automatically locks the workstation when users step away, with customizable lock distances for shared environments. Key benefits include support for older workstations without special hardware, logging of user activity for accountability, and easy deployment in shared workstations with multiple users. The cloud version is free for up to 20 users, with demos and customizable setups available for integrating with Active Directory or Entra ID.

An Identity Provider (IdP) is the central hub for secure user authentication and access across applications. Instead of multiple passwords, users log in once and gain trusted access everywhere via Single Sign-On (SSO). Modern IdPs enhance security with passwordless authentication, adaptive policies, and Zero Trust principles. They protect against stolen credentials, which cause 81% of breaches, while improving productivity and reducing IT workloads. Businesses can choose from cloud, on-premises, or hybrid IdPs depending on compliance and scalability needs. Advanced IdPs support open standards like SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect for seamless integration. With Hideez, organizations can adopt enterprise-grade passwordless identity management with free starter plans for small teams.

Business workflow management optimizes tasks and processes to boost efficiency, collaboration, and scalability. By automating repetitive work, companies can reduce errors, save time, and free teams for higher-value activities. Key features include no-code workflow design, integrations, real-time analytics, and strong security controls. Choosing the right solution involves assessing process complexity, scalability needs, and total cost of ownership. Start with small, high-impact workflows, measure results with KPIs, and refine based on feedback. Avoid automating broken processes, over-automation, and neglecting change management. A well-implemented system becomes the backbone of smooth, cost-effective operations.

Workflow automation helps small businesses streamline repetitive tasks, saving time, reducing errors, and improving customer and employee experiences — without needing extra hires or costly tools. Even small teams benefit significantly from automating common processes like lead capture, invoicing, onboarding, and support ticket routing. Hideez adds unique value by automating secure access management with features like proximity-based logins and passwordless authentication. Cloud-based tools are typically best for SMBs due to lower costs, ease of access, and scalability. When choosing an automation platform, prioritize no-code builders, real-time insights, seamless integrations, and strong security. Start by automating one high-impact process, then scale as needed. With the right approach, automation becomes a force multiplier for growth and efficiency.

Choosing the right identity service can be tricky due to varied pricing models like per-user, per-verification, or usage-based (MAU). While some platforms offer free tiers, hidden fees — like SMS charges, IdP connections, or enterprise setup costs — can drive up your total investment unexpectedly. CIAM tools (like Stripe Identity or Persona) often use per-verification pricing, while WIAM platforms (like Okta, Azure AD, and Hideez) typically rely on per-user or MAU billing. Hideez stands out with transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and free trials, making it ideal for small to mid-sized teams. Larger platforms like Okta or ForgeRock offer robust features but require bigger budgets and long-term contracts. Volume discounts may look appealing but often require high minimums and multi-year commitments. Ultimately, matching pricing models to your user type (customers vs employees) and usage patterns is key to long-term scalability and ROI.

Enterprise IAM solutions can deliver major cost savings by automating user provisioning, reducing administrative overhead, and improving security posture. Large organizations can save millions over three years and achieve up to 300% ROI through automation alone. Consolidating IAM tools helps eliminate redundant license fees and cut IT infrastructure costs by up to 25%. A total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis reveals that indirect costs—like breach risks and productivity delays—often exceed upfront pricing. Streamlined access management and self-service features reduce help desk burden and compliance costs, making IAM systems more efficient and scalable. Beyond savings, mature IAM enhances security posture, speeds up enterprise sales by meeting compliance standards, and unlocks access to regulated markets. By aligning IAM strategy with business goals and tracking key performance metrics, organizations can maximize their return on investment and operational impact.

Proximity cards (or prox cards) are contactless RFID-based access tools widely used in secure facilities to enable quick, touch-free entry. They work by wirelessly transmitting a unique ID to a reader within a short range, offering more durability and convenience than magnetic stripe cards. Prox cards come in various formats — including standard PVC, composite, clamshell, and key fobs — and operate at 125 kHz, with customizable bit formats for added control.