Goodbye Passwords, Hello Passkeys!

In an exciting shift towards enhanced online security, Microsoft is officially encouraging users to abandon traditional passwords in favor of cutting-edge passkeys. This announcement was made on May 1, coinciding with the globally recognized "World Password Day," which has now been rebranded as "World Passkey Day" in a collaboration with the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance.

What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys utilize biometric identifications such as fingerprints or facial scans, combined with PINs, as a more secure way to access online accounts. From now on, setting up new Microsoft accounts will automatically default to this smarter login method. Plus, existing users are urged to transition to passkeys by visiting their account settings and removing old passwords.

A Change in Sign-In Strategy

Microsoft is not just going all-in on passkeys; they've revamped their sign-in interface to prioritize passwordless methods. In a potentially controversial move, the company will make intelligent prompts to determine the best login method for users. For instance, if you have both a password and a one-time code linked to your account, Microsoft will suggest using the one-time code for logging in, paving the way for quicker enrollment into the passkey system.

Why This Matters