Risky password habits can have big consequences, and some companies are making it easier to stay secure online by ditching decades-old password methods and implementing passkeys instead. Microsoft intends to do the same starting in August.
Whether you have an easy-to-guess password or it's leaked in a company data breach, if hackers get hold of it, it can open the door to identity theft and fraud. A recent CNET survey found that 49% of US adults have risky password habits, like using the same password for multiple accounts and even using personal information, like your name, as a part of your password.
If you use Microsoft Authenticator to store your passwords, here's what you need to know about the transition and how to set up passkeys before the deadline.
Microsoft Authenticator won't support passwords after August
Currently, Microsoft Authenticator houses all of your passwords and lets you sign into all of your Microsoft accounts using a PIN, facial recognition, such as Windows Hello, or other biometric data, like a fingerprint. Authenticator can be used in other ways, such as verifying that you're logging in if you forgot your password, or using two-factor authentication as an extra layer of security for your Microsoft accounts.
How you use the app will change starting this month, according to Microsoft:
June 2025 - Microsoft said you'll no longer be able to add passwords to the Authenticator app.
Microsoft said you'll no longer be able to add passwords to the Authenticator app. July 2025 - You won't be able to use the autofill password function.
You won't be able to use the autofill password function. Aug. 2025 - You'll no longer be able to use saved passwords.
If you still want to use passwords instead of passkeys, you can store them in Microsoft Edge. But CNET experts recommend adopting passkeys during this transition.
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