News

Intel Integrates True Key with Microsoft's Windows Hello

• By Jeffrey Schwartz
• December 20, 2016

Intel Security and Microsoft are enabling multifactor authentication via biometrics with the integration of the former's True Key password manager and the latter's Windows Hello.

The integration comes nearly two years after Intel Security introduced True Key at the January 2015 Consumer Electronics Show. At the time, Intel Security saw its product as a better alternative to Windows Hello, a feature delivered in Windows 10 six months later.

Intel Security Chief Technology Officer Steve Grobman hadn't ruled out supporting Windows Hello at some point. But during an early 2015 interview, he pointed out that True Key targeted all devices and operating systems, not just Windows 10.

"I think Microsoft has done a lot of good things in Windows 10, but I don't know if Hello and Passport will completely change the use of passwords right away because users have many devices they work on," Grobman said at the time. "But Microsoft is definitely taking steps in the right direction."

Intel described True Key as a password manager that supports multifactor authentication, including fingerprints and any 2-D camera, and works with Intel's RealSense cameras for more extensive security.

Now Intel Security -- which will become McAfee once TPG completes its $4.2 billion buyout of a 51 percent majority stake of the business unit, with Intel Corp. retaining a 49 percent minority investment -- is offering True Key as an app extension that integrates with Windows Hello via the Edge browser.

The app extension lets users add Windows Hello as an authentication factor to a True Key profile, which remembers existing and new passwords. Intel True Key will automatically enter a user name and password when logging in to apps and Web sites with Windows Hello authentication.

"The password problem won't disappear overnight, which is why working with Windows Hello is a big step in the shared vision between Intel Security and Microsoft of a password-free future," said Intel Security CTO for True Key Richard Reiner in a statement. "By providing the True Key app with its enhanced multi-factor protection and support for dynamic Web form-filling, we continue to build an application that will encourage better password management and online security."

Users can download the free app from the Windows Store and then enable Windows Hello in their security settings.

In addition to Edge, Intel Security recently said True Key also supports Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox.

Intel Security has also extended the number of authentication factors that Android and iOS can combine to three. Factors supported include facial, fingerprint, trusted device and a master password. Android users can also now authenticate with a fingerprint and use it in the Android browser or Opera.