Microsoft says forget the passwords
Microsoft said users can delete passwords and start using an authenticator app to access their accounts, arguing this is safer than normal passwords. This solution has earlier been available for business users but is now released for all Microsoft and Windows users.
The company said the passwordless accounts are used by almost all of the company´s staff.
With passwordless login, users are asked to identify themselves by fingerprint or other secure unlock, on their mobile phone. Microsoft’s vice president, Vasu Jakkal, in a blog post argues the passwordless solution is much safer than passwords that more easily can be guessed or stolen.
15% use their pet´s name as a password and just by checking social media posts about personal life, hackers can find possible passwords, Microsoft studies show.
“Use the Microsoft Authenticator app, Windows Hello, a security key, or a verification code sent to your phone or email to sign in to your favourite apps and services, such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft Family Safety, and more. This feature will be rolled out over the coming weeks”, Jakkal wrote.
If the authenticator app is lost, stolen or crashed, the back-ups are Windows Hello facial recognition; physical security key; or sms/email codes.
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