Microsoft is getting rid of passwords in less than two weeks.
On Aug. 1, the Microsoft Authenticator app will no longer store or manage passwords, which could be a problem for a lot of users. Microsoft Authenticator has been one of the best password managers for years. You were able to save passwords, enable two-factor authentication and auto-fill. This change means that if you're using the Authenticator app as a password manager, you'll need to look for another option soon.
At the same time, Microsoft will move to passkeys instead.
Using a passkey as a login means you'll use PINs, fingerprint scans, facial recognition or a pattern on a device's lock screen. It's a safer option compared to the risky password habits. A CNET survey found that 49% of US adults have bad password habits. Having an insecure password can put you at risk of having your information exposed.
If you've been using Microsoft Authenticator, now's the time to start making changes. Here's what to know about the switch and the best password managers CNET recommends.
When will Microsoft Authenticator stop supporting passwords?
Microsoft Authenticator houses your passwords and lets you sign into all your Microsoft accounts using a PIN, facial recognition like Windows Hello, or other biometric data like a fingerprint. Authenticator can be used in other ways, such as verifying you're logging in if you forgot your password, or using two-factor authentication as an extra layer of security for your accounts. In June, the company stopped letting users add passwords to Authenticator.
Starting this month, you won't be able to use the autofill password function. And next month, 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. However, CNET experts recommend adopting passkeys during this transition. "Passkeys use public key cryptography to authenticate users, rather than relying on users themselves creating their own (often weak or reused) passwords to access their online accounts," Tomaschek said.
Why are passkeys a better alternative to passwords?
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