Identity-Driven Credential Recovery
Secure, self-service account recovery that verifies who you are—not just what you know. Eliminate helpdesk bottlenecks while preventing account takeovers.
Credential Recovery Is A Security Blind Spot
Modern workforce environments use strong authentication: passkeys, FIDO2 tokens, QR code logins, and MFA. But what happens when users lose access to all their factors? Traditional recovery processes—helpdesk calls, security questions, email links—are the weakest link in your security chain.
Social Engineering Risk
Attackers exploit helpdesk staff through impersonation, using stolen personal information to fraudulently reset credentials.
Helpdesk Bottleneck
Manual recovery processes don't scale. Each lost credential becomes a support ticket, delaying user productivity and increasing IT costs.
Weak Backup Methods
Security questions, email links, and SMS codes are easily compromised—defeating the purpose of strong primary authentication.
Audit Gaps
Manual recovery often lacks proper logging and verification evidence, creating compliance and forensic blind spots.
Two Paths To Secure Recovery
SecureAuth introduces identity verification (via Incode) as the gateway to credential recovery. Users must prove who they are—through biometrics and government ID—before any credentials are reset.
Option 1: Mobile App Recovery
The SecureAuth mobile app integrates with Incode's SDK for real-time identity proofing. This approach leverages the device's Secure Enclave (iOS) or Trusted Execution Environment (Android) to protect cryptographic keys and ensure tamper-proof recovery.
- User opens app and selects "Recover Account"
- Local authentication (PIN/biometric) confirms device possession
- Incode identity verification: ID scan + live selfie match
- Upon success, user can reset AD password or enroll new passkey
- Hardware-bound tokens prevent replay attacks
Option 2: ADFS Plugin Recovery
For users without mobile access, the SecureAuth ADFS plugin injects an identity verification step into the Windows login or web portal. A "Forgot Credentials" link triggers the Incode web workflow before allowing credential reset.
- User clicks "Recover Account" at ADFS login prompt
- Redirected to Incode web verification session
- Document scan and selfie check via workstation camera or QR-linked phone
- Positive verification unlocks password reset or factor enrollment
- Session-bound tokens tied to the recovery transaction
ADFS Plugin Recovery Flow
Desktop + Web Support: Users without mobile access can initiate recovery directly from the Windows login screen or any ADFS-protected web portal. The identity verification step prevents social engineering attacks.
Cryptographic Device Binding
Proof-of-Possession: Recovery tokens are cryptographically tied to the device—stolen tokens cannot be replayed on another device because the attacker lacks the hardware-bound private key.
Security Enhancements
Both recovery methods strengthen your security posture without adding user friction.
Identity Assurance
Incode verification provides biometric and document-based proof, far stronger than security questions or email-based resets.
Cryptographic Device Binding
Recovery tokens are proof-of-possession bound—they cannot be stolen and replayed on another device.
Passkey & MFA Alignment
New credentials (passkeys, OTPs) are registered using the same FIDO2 mechanisms already in place, gated by identity proof.
Social Engineering Protection
Attackers who know personal details still fail biometric/document checks, eliminating helpdesk-based reset fraud.
Audit & Compliance
Every recovery attempt is logged with verification status, assurance level, and method—ready for forensic or compliance review.
Zero Trust Recovery
The system requires literal proof of identity—not just knowledge—before restoring access, aligning with Zero Trust principles.
Works With Your Existing Infrastructure
The recovery architecture plugs into your current SecureAuth and ADFS deployment. No directory migrations, no authentication flow rewrites—just an additional verification layer that activates during recovery.
ADFS Plugin Extension
Incode verification injects into existing ADFS login pages without replacing core authentication logic.
Mobile App Update
Incode SDK integrates into the SecureAuth app—distributed via MDM or app stores.
Active Directory Integration
Password resets and passkey enrollments use existing AD and SecureAuth APIs—no new directories required.
Current Environment Support
Key Benefits
Higher Security
Biometric + ID proofing eliminates fraudulent account takeovers during recovery.
User Self-Service
Users regain access without helpdesk intervention—reducing ticket volume.
Faster Recovery
Mobile or web-based verification completes in minutes, not days.
Existing Investment
Extends current SecureAuth/ADFS infrastructure with minimal disruption.
Ready To Modernize Credential Recovery?
See how identity-driven recovery eliminates helpdesk bottlenecks while blocking account takeovers. Schedule a personalized demo today.