Authentication & MFACertificate-Based Auth, TAP & Password Protection

Certificate-Based Auth, TAP & Password Protection

30 mins

Understanding the Concept

Certificate-Based Authentication (CBA) allows users to authenticate using X.509 certificates stored on smart cards or devices. This provides phishing-resistant authentication without passwords and is commonly used in government and regulated industries. CBA can be configured as single-factor or multi-factor based on policy OID rules.

Temporary Access Pass (TAP) is a time-limited passcode that allows users to onboard passwordless authentication methods. When a user receives a new FIDO2 key or needs to set up Authenticator, TAP provides a secure bootstrap mechanism without requiring a traditional password.

Microsoft Entra Password Protection prevents users from choosing weak or banned passwords. It includes a global banned password list maintained by Microsoft and allows custom banned password lists. For hybrid environments, Password Protection agents can be deployed on domain controllers to enforce bans during on-premises password changes.

Key Points

  • CBA: X.509 certificates on smart cards, phishing-resistant, configurable strength
  • TAP: Time-limited passcode to bootstrap passwordless methods
  • Global banned password list: Microsoft-maintained common weak passwords
  • Custom banned password list: Organization-specific terms to block
  • On-prem Password Protection: Agents on DCs enforce cloud ban lists

Advanced Authentication Methods

Step 1

CBA Setup

Upload CA certificates, configure user bindings and auth strength

Step 2

TAP Issuance

Admin creates time-limited pass for user onboarding

Step 3

Password Protection

Cloud + custom ban lists evaluate password changes

Step 4

On-Prem Agent

DC agents enforce cloud ban lists during on-prem resets

Why This Matters in Real Organizations

These features address critical gaps: CBA meets compliance requirements for smart card authentication, TAP solves the chicken-and-egg problem of deploying passwordless methods, and Password Protection prevents the most common attack vector - weak passwords.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not configuring CBA authentication strength policies with the correct certificate OIDs
Setting TAP durations too long, creating a security window
Forgetting to deploy Password Protection agents on all domain controllers
Not testing custom banned password lists before enabling enforcement

Interview Tips

  • Explain when CBA is preferred over FIDO2 or WHfB
  • Describe the TAP use case for passwordless bootstrapping
  • Discuss how Password Protection works in hybrid environments

Exam Tips (SC-300)

  • Know CBA configuration requirements and PKI integration
  • Understand TAP settings: lifetime, one-time vs reusable
  • Know Password Protection architecture for cloud and on-prem

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