For years, Microsoft have been working hard to make passwordless sign ins for Microsoft/Windows users. Finally, it is time to embrace a passwordless future.
From today, users can officially remove their password from their Microsoft accounts, and opt to sign in with a Microsoft Authenticator app or some other form of verification to sign in on new and existing devices. This includes security keys, email verification codes and SMS. Work and School accounts have had this feature since March, however now, it has been rolled out for everyone.
The pros of going passwordless are very apparent. Most people tend to create their own password over a randomly generated one. It’s often a challenge to remember a password the more complex it’s made. Taking out a password entirely means its impossible to get any kind of access to your full account without having the two-factor authentication method. Currently, if a hacker gets access to your password while you have 2FA turned on, they could in theory use that same password on other sites to see if you have re-used it anywhere else.
For some users, this feature has been available for a while now. To set your account up with passwordless sign in please follow the instructions below:
Login to your Microsoft Account – Click on the Security Tab – then select, ‘Advanced security options’ – From here you can turn on the passwordless account feature to remove the password entirely. Alternatively, please call us on 02070525011 for help on setting this up.
The best way of going passwordless is using an app. We like the Authy (red icon) app however this won’t work the with QR code Microsoft provide. The next best and most popular is the Microsoft Authenticator (grey icon) app. To set this up, go to your app store on your mobile phone and download the free app. You can then setup an account and scan the QR code to get started. If you already have the app installed, you will need to confirm the removal of your account’s password by opening the app and approve the changes. Other methods include physical security tokens such as Yubikey or a PC with Windows Hello support to log in.
Other big names such as Apple and Google are also working towards less reliance on passwords. Chrome already lets you sign in without a password. Apples new iOS 15 includes a new feature for iCloud Keychain called Passkeys, to replace passwords with more secure logins.
Read our last article on WhatsApp issued with GDPR fine of 225m‘