Security checks / Check reference / Authentication methods

Auth Require Passwordless But Its Not Used By User

High Severity Microsoft 365 security check in the Authentication methods domain.

Policy requires passwordless authentication but the user is not using it This user is still authenticating with a password despite a passwordless mandate Password-based sign-ins remain vulnerable to phishing, spray attacks, and credential stuffing Siemserva runs this check automatically across your tenant and maps every finding to the compliance frameworks below.

High SeverityAuthentication methods

Check summary

Severity
High
Domain
Authentication methods
Rank in domain
4
Frameworks
6

What this check verifies

Policy requires passwordless authentication but the user is not using it

Why it matters

This user is still authenticating with a password despite a passwordless mandate Password-based sign-ins remain vulnerable to phishing, spray attacks, and credential stuffing

How to fix it

Enroll the user in a passwordless method (passkey, FIDO2, or Windows Hello); use a Temporary Access Pass to bootstrap registration

Siemserva flags every tenant where this check fails and, with Senserva Trustworthy AI remediation, can propose a validated fix you approve before it applies.

Ask your own AI about this check

Copy this prompt into Claude, ChatGPT, or Copilot. The facts are included, sourced from this page.

Compliance framework mappings

Findings from this check serve as evidence for:

SCuBAMCSBNISTSOC2CISHIPAAMCSB IM-6MCSB IM-7

References

learn.microsoft.com: /security/benchmark/azure/mcsb-identity-management...

Related Authentication methods checks

Auth Allowed Authentication Methods DisabledAuth Authentication Method Excluded User TargetAuth Authentication Method Included User Target R...Auth Authentication Method Included User Target R...Auth FIDO2 Authentication Method In Use But Not A...Auth FIDO2 Key Restrictions Not EnforcedAuth FIDO2 Passwordless Enabled But Not GovernedAuth Group Authentication Method Excluded Group T...

Common questions

What does the Auth Require Passwordless But Its Not Used By User check verify?

Policy requires passwordless authentication but the user is not using it It is a High Severity check in the Authentication methods domain, one of the 650+ checks Siemserva runs across Microsoft 365, Intune, Defender, and Entra ID.

How do I fix a Auth Require Passwordless But Its Not Used By User finding?

Enroll the user in a passwordless method (passkey, FIDO2, or Windows Hello); use a Temporary Access Pass to bootstrap registration Siemserva ranks the finding by Severity and, with Senserva Trustworthy AI, can propose a validated, approve-before-apply configuration fix.

Which compliance frameworks does this check evidence?

Findings from this check map to SCuBA, MCSB, NIST, SOC2, CIS, HIPAA, and MCSB controls IM-6, IM-7. That mapping is what turns a scan finding into audit evidence.

Can I ask my own AI about this check?

Yes. This page includes a free copy-paste AI prompt carrying the check's facts: what it verifies, the risk, the remediation, and the framework mappings. Paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, or Copilot; cite-worthy detail without giving an AI access to your tenant.

All 672 checks with severities and mappings: the Microsoft 365 security checks catalog.

Sponsored by Senserva

Siemserva by Senserva runs this check, Auth Require Passwordless But Its Not... for example, across your own tenant: which tenants pass, which fail, ranked by Severity with the evidence attached.

  • 650+ Microsoft 365, Intune, Defender, and Entra ID checks in one scan
  • Findings mapped to SCuBA, CIS, NIST, HIPAA, SOC 2, and MCSB for audit-ready evidence
  • Senserva Trustworthy AI driven configuration remediation: validated, approve-before-apply fixes
  • Optional AI Enhanced Reporting: plain-language summaries and recommended next steps written into your reports
  • Multi-tenant and MSP practices, with bulk tenant audits and client-ready reporting
Compliance Status Report
Auth Require Passwordless But Its Not... across 2 tenants, ranked by Severity
23
FAILING
87
PASSING
41
OTHER FINDINGS
CHECKSEVERITYSTATUSFINDINGS
Auth Require Passwordless But Its Not...HighFAILING23
MFA for all usersCritical-11
Legacy authentication blockedHigh-6
Estimated report, sample data for illustration
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Microsoft 365 compliance and audit evidence
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Reference: the compliance and audit guide, and the full checks catalog.
Data notice: check definitions describe what Siemserva verifies and are provided as is, for informational purposes only, without warranty of any kind. Framework mappings are informational and do not constitute compliance advice; confirm requirements with your assessor. All use of this data is subject to the Senserva EULA.