Hideez Blog | Passwordless Authentication News & Tips

Security solutions

YubiKey Explained: How It Works Compared to Other Security Keys

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.

7 min read

Passwordless

What Is FIDO2 and How Does It Work? FIDO Authentication Explained

Logging into a website or service using the traditional username and password combination isn’t the best or safest way of going about it anymore. As cybercriminals become more technologically advanced, data protection methods must also move forward. This is where new authentication standards such as FIDO2 can become a useful tool in battling the issue.

15 min read

Access

How to Remove Password from Windows 10 and Avoid Security Risks?

Having to enter a password every time you log into your Windows computer can be a hassle, especially if you use a tough and complex combination. Luckily, there are some ways to remove your Windows 10 password without putting your sensitive information in danger. Read on and learn how to enable Windows 10 login without a password while avoiding any security risks. 

8 min read

Threats

Phishing Defined: What Does Phished Mean? Spear Phishing vs Phishing

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%.

8 min read

Access

How to Enable Windows 11 Auto Login | Key Methods & Tips

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.

11 min read

Access

How to Add MFA to RDP: Everything you should know

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.

12 min read

Access

On-Premise Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Guide

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.

10 min read

IAM

Top IDaaS Solutions and Implementation Tips

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.

11 min read

IAM

What Is IDaaS? Ultimate Guide to Identity as a Service

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.

10 min read

Passwordless

Passwordless Authentication: The Complete Guide to a More Secure Future

Passwordless authentication replaces vulnerable passwords with secure, user-friendly methods like biometrics and cryptographic passkeys (FIDO2). This approach eliminates phishing, credential theft, and password fatigue by removing the weakest link in digital security — shared secrets. Instead, users authenticate through possession-based (devices, keys) or inherence-based (biometric) factors, providing true phishing-resistant protection. Compared to traditional MFA, passwordless systems remove the password entirely, offering both stronger security and a smoother login experience. Businesses benefit from reduced IT helpdesk costs, simplified compliance, and improved user satisfaction. Leading technology companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are already standardizing passkey support, signaling the global shift toward a password-free future. Platforms like Hideez enable organizations to adopt this transformation securely and efficiently, integrating hardware keys and centralized management for enterprise-wide protection.

13 min read

Passwordless

How to Enable Windows 10 Auto Login

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.

7 min read

Access

What is an IdP (Identity Provider) in SSO?

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.  

14 min read