Configuring Windows Hello for Business Securely

Configuring Windows Hello for Business Securely

To configure Windows Hello for Business to align with NIST 800-63B:

✅ Enforce strong PIN policy

• Set minimum PIN length to at least 8 digits.

• Complexity isn’t required — digits-only is fine (per NIST 5.1.1.2).

✅ Use hardware-backed keys

• Enable the Group Policy or MDM setting: “Use a hardware security device” for WHfB.

• Ensures keys are TPM-protected.

✅ Secure privileged access

• Require MFA for privileged logon.

• Enable Interactive logon: Require Windows Hello for Business or smart card.

• Consider Smart Card is Required for Interactive Logon (SCRIL) for admin accounts.

When configured correctly, Windows Hello for Business provides compliant, passwordless, multi-factor authentication aligned with NIST 800-63B and CMMC best practices.

If your team supports defense or regulated environments, WHfB is an option for MFA — it’s a scalable, hardware-based MFA option for Windows 11.