No More Passwords? Microsoft’s Passkey Revolution Explained

We live in a digital world where cyber threats, such as phishing, identity theft, and account takeovers on platforms like email and Facebook, are on the rise. In response, Microsoft is taking a significant step toward a passwordless future for accounts by promoting Microsoft’s Passkey as the default sign-in method. This offers a more secure and user-friendly way to access your accounts.

We have been using a traditional password as the standard method for authentication, but it has increased the security risk for our accounts. As a result, cybercriminals increasingly exploit weak or reused passwords through phishing and other attacks to steal personal information. Microsoft has been a pioneer in moving toward passwordless authentication, beginning with Windows Hello, which enables biometric sign-ins using facial recognition, fingerprints, or device-based PINs.

Now, the world is changing as we are moving towards advanced technology. Microsoft has partnered with the FIDO Alliance to develop phishing-resistant passkeys for new accounts that replace the password. Now you can sign in to any supported apps or websites with a passkey using your facial recognition, PIN, or fingerprints. As passkeys are phishing-resistant, they cannot be reused or easily stolen, and they rely on cryptographic methods linked to the user’s device and biometric authentication. This innovation makes passkeys both more secure and more convenient than traditional passwords. and now a days many websites are supporting signing in with a passkey.

What are Passkeys?

Passkeys are cryptographic login information that is stored on your device and replaces traditional passwords. As per the latest update, Microsoft has collaborated with the FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance standards to develop passkeys that are phishing-resistant and linked to your identity on a specific device. When you log in, instead of typing a password, you use a biometric method (such as a fingerprint or facial recognition) or a device PIN to verify your identity. Passkeys are already being used by big companies like Apple and Google, and now Microsoft is fully joining the initiative to create a passwordless world.

Why Passkeys?

We live in a digital world where cyber threats, such as phishing, identity theft, and account takeovers on platforms like email and Facebook, are on the rise. As per the latest update, Microsoft has announced plans to bring passkeys forward for accounts, which have several key advantages:

Enhanced Security:

Passkeys are phishing-resistant, which eliminates the security risk associated with weak passwords and phishing attacks.

Simplified Sign-ins:

Users can authenticate sign-ins with a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN, which is three times more powerful than traditional passwords.

Faster Access:

Passkey sign-ins are way faster than traditional password-based authentication.

FIDO Alliance:

Microsoft has teamed up with the FIDO Alliance and other tech giants to develop passkeys as a universal standard.

Microsoft’s Latest Passkey Update: What’s New?

Microsoft has recently announced that it will adopt passkeys as the default option across Windows 11, Microsoft Edge, Xbox, and Microsoft Accounts. Here’s what will change:

1. Passkeys in Windows 11

If you are using the latest Windows 11, you can now create, store, and manage passkeys directly within the computer. You can use the Windows Hello biometric system, such as fingerprint, face ID, or PIN, and sign in securely to apps and websites without your passwords.

2. Microsoft Edge Supports Passkey

Microsoft Edge now supports passkeys on all platforms. When you visit a website that lets you log in with a passkey, Microsoft Edge will offer to save it for you just like it does with passwords, but in a much more secure way. It also syncs your passkeys through your Microsoft account, so you can sign in easily across different devices.

3. Log in to Microsoft Accounts with Passkeys

The biggest update? Now you can log in to your Microsoft account using a passkey, even on devices where your login information hasn’t been stored before. This means you can log in to Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, and more using just a fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN, where you don’t need a password or enter a one-time code.

How to Set Up a Passkey on Microsoft Accounts

Go to account.live.com and log in.
Navigate to Advanced Security Options in your account settings.
Click on Add a new way to sign in or verify.
Select Face, Fingerprint, PIN, or Security Key.
Follow On-Screen Instructions
If You are using Windows Hello, set up your biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition).
If You are using a security key, insert it and follow the prompts.
Confirm and Save

Conclusion : Microsoft's Passkey

Microsoft’s announcement about passkeys marks a significant step in eliminating traditional passwords and enhancing security. It gives users an easier way to sign in, which is faster, safer, and more reliable for authentication. Passkeys are set to become the new standard for digital security while protecting users from common threats like phishing and credential stuffing. The world is changing, and Microsoft strongly signals that the age of traditional passwords is coming to an end.

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