Microsoft has announced that more than one billion users will soon undergo an upgrade to their login process. A key aspect of this update is a focus on passwordless login methods.
For several years, Microsoft has been subtly encouraging users to move away from password-based logins. Now, they are integrating passwordless sign-in as a fundamental aspect of the Microsoft account process.
For some time now, we’ve added various improvements, one of which is the option to eliminate passwords entirely from your account and the implementation of passkey logins as an alternative. Now, our updated design prioritizes a passwordless approach and favors passkeys as the primary method,” Microsoft shared.
Microsoft advocates the adoption of passkeys over traditional passwords due to the latter’s security concerns. Notably, other tech titans like Apple and Google endorse this approach as well.
The drive towards the use of passkeys signifies a goal that surpasses merely encouraging individuals to adopt a safer means of accessing their accounts. Instead, it’s about persuading users to completely abandon traditional passwords for a more secure alternative.
As an analyst, I’d rephrase it like this: “I noted last December that even if a billion of our users adopt passkeys as an additional security measure, accounts remain vulnerable to phishing if both passkeys and passwords are used concurrently. Our aim is not just to supplement but to eliminate passwords altogether, creating accounts that can only accommodate phishing-resistant credentials.
The new Microsoft account experience should help people transition away from passwords.
What is a passkey?
Instead of using traditional passwords, passkeys enable users to access applications, online platforms, and services. These innovative solutions offer enhanced security compared to conventional passwords, being less susceptible to various issues that passwords often encounter.
Initially, it might seem that passkeys and passwords are synonymous. Beyond their similar monikers, they both serve the purpose of granting access to websites and services when users log in.
However, the mechanisms behind passwords and passkeys differ significantly. Unlike passwords which require recalling a specific combination of a username and a memorized password, passkeys utilize a matched set of cryptographic keys for safe authentication.
A crucial feature of a passkey involves keeping one key confidential, as it remains stored on your personal device.
Instead of using traditional passwords, passkeys operate alongside advanced security measures like fingerprint scans or facial recognition, as well as device PINs.
Passkeys can extend across devices and are unique to websites and apps.
It’s crucial that passkeys are unique. If hackers manage to get hold of a password due to a data breach or any other means, they frequently attempt to apply the same password to various well-used platforms.
In the most unfavorable situation, a potential intruder might steal a password from a website you perceive as relatively unimportant. Once they have this password, they could potentially infiltrate sensitive platforms such as your email or even banking apps.
While the technology behind passkeys is fascinating, I assume most people care about two questions:
- Are passkeys easy to use?
- Are passkeys safer than passwords?
Passkeys, although novel compared to the lengthy history of computer and smartphone usage, have gained significant support from tech titans like Microsoft, Google, and Apple.
Many popular online platforms also endorse the use of passkeys, with Microsoft stating that “passkeys represent the next phase of authentication.” Given their reputation, it’s reasonable to trust their assessment.
Passkeys can be effortlessly established and utilized across numerous websites and platforms. As time progresses, you’ll find that passkeys receive wider acceptance.
Passkeys offer resistance against various tactics, such as phishing scams and others, frequently employed to snatch individuals’ passwords.
Passkeys offer a higher level of security compared to passwords when it comes to login methods, though neither can be completely foolproof.
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2025-04-02 18:40