This article focuses on Okta FastPass, but the same principles apply to other desktop-based passwordless authentication methods as well.
1. Windows Hello Is Not 2FA
Windows Hello lets users unlock their devices using either a biometric (fingerprint or face) or a PIN. These are alternatives – not layers. So, by design, Hello is single-factor authentication at the point of use. It does leverage the device’s TPM, but that’s not something the user controls, and it doesn’t count as a second, independent factor in practice.
2. Biometric Failures Default to PIN
Fingerprint sensors and facial recognition systems often fail due to dust, lighting, moisture, or hardware issues. In almost every Windows Hello setup, this leads to a fallback to the PIN – which is just “something you know.” This means an attacker who learns or guesses your PIN can bypass the biometric altogether.
3. Why Many Organizations Ban Phones for MFA
Security, compliance, and privacy concerns have led many organizations to restrict or ban BYOD (bring your own device). Reasons include not being able to control, audit, restrict access, and secure these devices, and in particular:
- Healthcare (HIPAA): Patient data restrictions
- Finance (PCI DSS 4.0, SOX, GLBA): Data loss prevention & audit requirements
- Call Centers/BPOs: No camera/mic/phone policy, employee monitoring
- Government/Military contractors: Controlled unclassified information
These organizations need strong MFA without relying on phones – which limits options.
4. Okta Verify / Okta FastPass Is Not 2FA on Its Own
Okta Verify – FastPass can be installed on a work-related Windows or Mac device and used without a password, or a phone. But even if set to its highest security setting for user verification, when Okta FastPass relies on Windows Hello to “verify” the user again at authentication time, it is still the same single factor being used, whether it’s face, fingerprint, or PIN.
Prompting the same factor twice (once at Windows login and again at Okta login) doesn’t provide additional security; it simply repeats the same verification mechanism. For authentication to be considered true 2FA, two independent and distinct factors must be involved – for example, a biometric and a hardware token, or a password and a behavioral biometric. Importantly, the biometric must be different from the one used to unlock the device (which serves primarily as a RoT for proof of possession). Without that separation, you’re not achieving the layered protection that strong 2FA is required to deliver.
5. What If You Add a Password?
Enforcing a password on top of FastPass may appear to be a valid “less pretty” second factor. But is it really? Typically, the password is stored in a local password manager that is also unlocked via Windows Hello. Since Windows Hello already requires a mandatory PIN (“something you know”), even if a password is typed manually and not retrieved via the same method directly, it still falls within the same factor category (knowledge). Therefore, it does not count as a second, independent factor.
6. What to Do About It: Real Solutions to Achieve Compliance
It’s also important to understand how Okta policies influence this. A default Okta policy may accept FastPass as valid 2-in-1 MFA, even if both factors are executed on the same device using the same user verification mechanism. To ensure true compliance, administrators must update Okta Authentication Policies and configure authentication chains that explicitly enforce two independent factors.
For example, an ideal policy would require a password or FastPass (passwordless) as the first factor, followed by an additional independent factor such as TypingDNA Verify, a FIDO2 security key, or another biometric mechanism not tied to the same Windows Hello session.
To meet true 2FA/MFA standards, you need:
- A separate device (e.g., FIDO2 key, smartcard, company-issued phone)
- An independent biometric, like TypingDNA, which can work directly inside Okta MFA flows and does not rely on Windows Hello
7. The Need for Redundancy in MFA
All 2FA methods can fail independently, biometrics don’t always recognize you, devices can be hacked, lost, or shared, and passwords are often forgotten (and are exposed to phishing). That’s why having at least two options per factor group is crucial. For example:
- TypingDNA Verify can replace phone-based authenticators, FastPass, or passwords
- It can also add a second factor to FastPass or password-based flows
This flexibility allows organizations to stay compliant even when one method is unavailable.
8. Continuous Protection After Login: A Distinct Post-Login Security Layer with TypingDNA ActiveLock That Strengthens Your MFA Strategy and Reduces the Risk of Unauthorized Access Even After Initial Authentication
TypingDNA also offers ActiveLock, a solution that is distinct from traditional 2FA or MFA. It provides continuous authentication on Windows and Mac devices by using typing behavior, mouse movement, and facial recognition to constantly verify who is actively using the machine. Unlike 2FA, which only verifies identity at the point of login, ActiveLock provides protection after access has been granted.
If an attacker gains access to a device (e.g., by guessing a PIN or spoofing a fingerprint), ActiveLock will detect the behavioral mismatch, lock the session, and send a silent alert to security teams. This makes it an essential additional layer of defense that complements but does not replace MFA.
9. Yes, Fingerprints Can Be Faked – Easily
It’s surprisingly easy to lift a fingerprint from a screen or fingerprint sensor and reproduce it using materials available online. Several researchers and hackers have demonstrated this for under $10, in less than 10 minutes.
If someone steals your device and lifts your fingerprint, they could:
- Unlock your laptop
- Access Okta FastPass
- Gain access to critical apps – all without triggering any alerts
10. Conclusion: You May Not Be Compliant
Okta FastPass on its own, running on desktops with Windows Hello, does not meet 2FA standards unless paired with a second independent factor. And with BYOD increasingly banned in regulated industries, companies have very few remaining compliant paths for MFA.
That’s why adding TypingDNA Verify is highly recommended – as the best phone-free, passwordless independent second factor. Supported by Okta, and other major IAMs (Ping Identity, ForgeRock, Microsoft Entra, Keycloak).
In addition, for continuous endpoint protection, TypingDNA ActiveLock reduces post-compromise risk.
Let me say it once again: If you’re relying on Windows Hello and Okta FastPass alone, even with enforced passwords, you’re not compliant – and you’re doing it wrong.
Contact us to learn more.