Earlier this year Microsoft released Microsoft’s Enterprise SSO plug-in for Apple’s Extensible Single Sign-on extension. The configuration is delivered via profile or MDM solution such as JAMF and allows Apple Mac users to leverage single sign-on for Microsoft apps and websites.
This plugin is limited to SSO capabilities after the user logs in and cannot be used for the secure login of the Mac using a 365/Entra ID. Users that require this can still use JAMF Connect, which still allows MS 365 MFA but will not allow SSO with Touch ID.
This is all about to change with the announcement that Microsoft will extend the capabilities of the SSO plugin to support Platform SSO for the Mac, allowing the Mac user to login to their Mac using their 365/Entra ID and leverage platform-wide SSO. Touch ID is supported, finally bringing biometric login for the Mac using a centralised account directory, allowing login as Windows users have had for some time with Windows Hello for Business.
As with JAMF Connect, the 365 account will map to a local account, avoiding the problems Active Directory Binding causes.
Microsoft Platform SSO is currently on public preview and limited to Intune, but Microsoft has announced other MDM providers such as JAMF will be supported on release.
Everyone hates passwords – they’re annoying but essential as your cyber security depends on having strong, unique passwords. Cyber criminals use a range of sophisticated methods to crack weak passwords, opening up your system to a potential cyber-attack – or they simply buy them from the dark web.
Human error is one of the weak spots in IT security, mainly because people struggle to manage many passwords, often repeatedly reusing the same password or varying it slightly with the addition of a digit. These are often weak and easy to guess.
So there needs to be a balance between useability and security, which is where a password management solution comes into play.
We’ve recently implemented a password manager, Keeper for one of our clients, to help protect them from ransomware attacks.
Keeper provides:
· Unique passwords for every user.
· Stores passwords securely.
· Ability to legitimately share them with colleagues when required.
An added bonus it that businesses that purchase Keeper can also offer Keeper for personal use for members of their family.
Many user passwords are readily available on the dark web. Keeper provides a simple scanner tool, allowing users to check if their passwords have been compromised.
Get in touch with Richard for more information Richard.Twigger@conformedia.co.uk
It’s Cyber Security Awareness Month, the aim being to make people more aware of cyber threats and educate users on how to protect themselves against a cyber attack.
Here’s our 5-point check list to help you get started:
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) as it will add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
2. Update your software and make sure all your devices, operating systems, and software applications are up to date with the latest security patches.
3. Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager.
4. Regularly back up your data to external media and/or cloud. This location should not be readily accessible.
5. Learn about common cyber threats, such as phishing, malware, and ransomware, and how to recognise, be vigilant and avoid them.
Recap on some of the articles we have published over the year to help you:
Phishing Attacks are on the rise. How to protect your business
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – what is it and how it can reduce the risk of a security breach.
For more information and expert support, help and advice, contact Richard:
Richard.Twigger@Conformedia.co.uk
