Certificate-based authentication with YubiKeys on iOS and Android  

With Microsoft’s announcement today of its support for Azure AD Certificate-based authentication (CBA) for both iOS and Android devices, Yubico is excited to share that the YubiKey is currently the only external device that supports CBA on Android and iOS. Plus, the YubiKey is the only FIPS certified phishing-resistant solution available for Azure AD on mobile. 

Yubico worked closely with Microsoft to ensure CBA on mobile became a reality. Microsoft’s new support provides users with the same convenient smart card authentication method on mobile devices that they have on their desktops. CBA has been a staple of governments and high security environments for decades, long before the invention of FIDO U2F and FIDO2, mostly due to its reliability and effectiveness in physical environments. With Executive Order 14028 on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, the adoption of CBA and other phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication methods are mandated for civilian federal agencies in the US. 

CBA is widely deployed across many industries, and remains a favorite amongst security experts. For some organizations, it is the logical choice from the available Azure offerings. With this announcement, customers can now use CBA on their mobile devices using native Azure AD CBA. When using native Azure AD CBA, organizations can reduce their existing infrastructure and move it into the cloud. Azure AD CBA capabilities can also be combined with Conditional Access policies so admins can enforce phishing-resistant sign-in methods.  

CBA is currently the only form of phishing-resistant authentication within Azure that is supported on mobile devices, which is an important factor for an organization when deciding which scheme to adopt.  

“Yubico has been a driving force in working with our teams to build this solution that allows Microsoft customers to securely log into their Microsoft accounts on their iPhone or Android mobile device. This is a big win for us, Yubico, and most importantly our federal government customers,” said Sue Bohn, Vice President of Product Management for Microsoft’s Identity and Network Access (IDNA) group. 

Setting up CBA on Azure requires some basic configuration steps within Azure AD and installation of the Microsoft Authenticator app on Android or iOS/iPadOS. The Yubico Authenticator app is also needed on iOS/iPadOS. The PIV credential must be set up independently from the Azure solution. Your existing YubiKey PIV/smart card issuance process does not need to change. 

Also, with the new Conditional Access authentication strength policies, you can enforce CBA as the required sign-in mechanism.  

Yubico and Microsoft are globally recognized leaders in cybersecurity assisting public and private organizations on their journey to Zero Trust. Both Yubico and Microsoft are FIDO Alliance members and committed to providing phishing-resistant authentication solutions based on FIDO2 and certificate-based authentication standards.  

Learn more  

Microsoft’s mobile certificate-based solution coupled with the YubiKey is a simple, convenient, FIPS certified phishing-resistant MFA methods for organizations, and we’re excited to share additional details and best practices during our upcoming webinar, New solutions to prevent phishing with Azure AD and YubiKeys on November 3rd at 9 am PT, register here to attend. 

Talk to our teamTalk to our team

Share this article:


  • CEO Corner: Maintaining stable growth while navigating global uncertaintyAs we officially close out the first quarter of 2025,  I am pleased we saw a quarter with solid growth and profitability along with ongoing demand for phishing-resistant authentication. We continue to see new types of high-profile cyber attacks appearing regularly, and a major reason for the success of phishing attacks is stolen credentials. As […]Read moreCEOCEO CornerEarningsMattias Danielsson
  • Introducing the Yubico Academy: Enabling partners for a phishing-resistant futureAt Yubico, strong partnerships are fundamental to a more secure digital world. Our commitment goes beyond providing leading security keys; it’s about actively fostering the growth of our valued partners through impactful enablement programs. A cornerstone is the Yubico Academy, featuring our comprehensive certification program.  This program enables our partners’ teams to become Yubico experts, […]Read more
  • AI is booming — but proving you’re human matters more than everIf you walked the show floor at the RSA Conference this year, you probably noticed the same thing I did: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. Agentic AI. AI in threat detection. AI in firewalls. AI in identity management. AI-generated demos. AI everything. The energy around AI was undeniable, and we’re seeing real innovation, efficiency gains […]Read moreAIArtificial IntelligencephishingRSAC
  • Ditching passwords for good: Celebrating the inaugural World Passkey DayHave you ever been stuck in a relationship with someone who constantly lets you down, exposes your secrets, and leaves you vulnerable? Odds are you cut your losses, packed up your things and moved on. Today is the day to do the same with your passwords: say goodbye forever! The reality is a majority of […]Read morepasskeyspasswordlessWorld Passkey Day