Microsoft Will Delete Your Passwords in Less Than 4 Weeks. Do This Now
The Microsoft Authenticator application has already started to make changes to the way you manage your passwords, but it will not fully support passwords on August 1. In June, he stopped allowing users to create new passwords. In July, he disabled the automatic password function.
For years, the authenticator has taken care of multi-factor authentication and password management. But in the future, it will be a new house for your pass keys, such as a pin, a fingerprint or facial recognition.
Attila Tomaschek, senior writer of CNET software and digital security expert, said it was not a bad thing.
“Passwords can be cracked, while passing keys need both the public and the private key stored locally to authenticate users, which can help to mitigate risks such as being a victim of phishing and brute force or compensation attacks,” said Tomaschek.
Passkeys get rid of risky password habits practiced by 49% of American adults, such as using the same password for several accounts or using personal advice, according to a CNET survey. However, these practical tips may present a greater risk for crooks, identity theft and fraud.
If you are a fan of authenticator and you do not know where to start before the switch, here is what you need to do before Microsoft move.
When will Microsoft Authenticator stop supporting passwords?
Microsoft Authenticator houses your passwords and allows you to connect to all your Microsoft accounts using a pin, facial recognition like Windows Hello or other biometric data such as a fingerprint. The authenticator can be used in another way, such as the verification that you connect if you have forgotten your password or using two -factor authentication as an additional safety layer for your accounts. In June, the company ceased to allow users to add passwords to the authenticator.
From this month, you will not be able to use the automatic password function. And next month, you will no longer be able to use recorded passwords.
If you always want to use passwords instead of Passkeys, you can store them in Microsoft Edge. However, CNET experts recommend adopting pass keys during this transition. “Passkeys uses public key cryptography to authenticate users, rather than counting on users themselves creating their own passwords (often weak or reused) to access their online accounts,” said Tomaschek.
Why is Passkeys a better alternative to passwords?
So, what is a passing tour? This is a diploma created by Fast Identity Online Alliance which uses biometric data or a pin to check your identity and access your account. Remember to use your fingerprint or your face ID to connect to your account. It is generally safer than using an easy -to -guess password or sensitive to a phishing attack.
Passkeys are not stored on servers like passwords. Instead, they are stored only on your personal device. More conveniently, this eliminates conjectures from remembering your passwords and the need for a Password manager.
How to configure a passing key in Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft declared in a blog article of May 1 that it would automatically detect the best passing key to configure and make it your default connection option. “If you have a password configuration and” unique code “on your account, we will invite you to connect with your unique code instead of your password. Once you are connected, you will be invited to register a Passkey. Then, the next time you log in, you will be invited to connect with your Passkey”, depending on the blog post.
To configure a new Passkey, open your authenticator on your phone. Press your account and select “Configure a passing key”. You will be invited to connect with your existing identification information. After connected, you can configure the passing key.
