Microsoft to Eliminate Passwords Starting Next Month
In a significant move towards a password-free future, Microsoft has announced plans to phase out traditional passwords from its systems starting next month. The tech giant is encouraging users to transition to more secure and convenient forms of authentication such as biometrics, security keys, and the Microsoft Authenticator app. This decision reflects the growing industry trend of moving away from passwords, which have long been considered the weakest link in cybersecurity.
Why Is Microsoft Removing Passwords?
For years, cybersecurity experts have warned that passwords are inherently insecure. They are often reused across multiple platforms, stored insecurely, or made simple enough to be remembered — which also makes them easy for hackers to guess or crack. According to Microsoft, 579 password attacks occur every second, amounting to over 18 billion every year. Eliminating passwords aims to reduce this vulnerability and enhance user protection.
In an official blog post, Microsoft stated that the company wants to “make passwordless the norm” and has been gradually introducing this change across its ecosystem. This includes services like Microsoft 365, Outlook, OneDrive, and Xbox. Users will have the option to completely remove their passwords from their Microsoft accounts.
What Will Replace Passwords?
Microsoft is promoting several passwordless authentication methods that are both secure and user-friendly:
Microsoft Authenticator App: This mobile app generates time-based codes and offers push notifications for approving sign-ins.
Windows Hello: A biometric system that uses facial recognition or fingerprint scanning.
Security Keys: Physical USB or NFC devices used to log in securely.
Email or SMS Codes: Temporary codes sent to a user’s trusted device or phone number.
These methods offer multi-factor authentication capabilities and are more resistant to phishing and brute-force attacks.
How to Go Passwordless
If you’re a Microsoft user and want to get ahead of the curve, here’s how you can go passwordless:
Install Microsoft Authenticator: Download and link the app to your Microsoft account.
Navigate to Your Microsoft Account Settings: Go to account.microsoft.com.
Select ‘Advanced Security Options’: Under this section, you’ll find the option to remove your password.
Follow the Prompts: Once confirmed, your account will be accessible only through passwordless options.
This change can be reversed if needed, but Microsoft hopes that most users will stick with the passwordless approach once they experience the convenience and security.
Enterprise and Workplace Adoption
Microsoft is also extending these capabilities to business users and organizations through its Azure Active Directory. Companies can deploy passwordless strategies for employees, reducing help desk costs related to password resets and improving workplace security.
For IT administrators, Microsoft offers tools to manage this transition and ensure that employees are onboarded smoothly. Conditional access policies and identity protection can be configured to align with organizational security standards.
What Are the Benefits?
The benefits of going passwordless are numerous:
Stronger Security: Eliminates the risk of stolen, guessed, or reused passwords.
Better User Experience: No need to remember complex character strings.
Reduced IT Costs: Fewer password reset requests, which are a major source of IT support tickets.
Faster Sign-In: Biometrics and apps streamline the authentication process.
Concerns and Considerations
While the transition to a passwordless future is exciting, some users may have concerns. Access to backup options becomes crucial if a device is lost or unavailable. Microsoft has accounted for these issues by offering fallback methods and account recovery options.
Privacy advocates also stress the importance of securing biometric data. Microsoft assures users that biometric data used in Windows Hello, for example, is stored locally on the device and never shared with Microsoft servers.
What Comes Next?
Microsoft’s move is part of a broader industry shift toward more secure and user-friendly login technologies. Companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon are also investing in similar passwordless solutions. The Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance, which includes major tech firms, is working to develop global standards for passwordless authentication.
As Microsoft leads this change, users should expect a gradual but definitive decline in the use of passwords across digital platforms. With this major step, the era of “forgot password?” may soon become a relic of the past.StormInsider