Microsoft Confirms It’s Deleting Passwords In 29 Days — Act Now
Microsoft has announced a significant change to its password management policy, and users are advised to act now to save their passwords before the deadline. Starting August, Microsoft will no longer support saved passwords in its Authenticator app, and any generated passwords that have not been saved will be deleted.
The move comes as part of a broader effort by Microsoft to improve password security. The company has confirmed that it is blocking 7,000 attacks on passwords every second, highlighting the need for a more secure approach to password management. With state-sponsored hackers and automatic password hacking machines targeting Windows passwords, including even printers, something had to be done.
The changes to Microsoft Password Management will take effect in three stages. In June, users will no longer be able to add new passwords to Authenticator. From July onwards, the autofill feature will also be disabled. And starting August 1st, saved passwords will no longer be accessible, and any generated passwords that have not been saved will be deleted.
Microsoft has emphasized the importance of switching to passkey technology, which is available to Windows users through Microsoft Authenticator. The company states that "your saved passwords (but not your generated password history) and addresses are securely synced to your Microsoft account, and you can continue to access them and enjoy seamless autofill functionality with Microsoft Edge."
However, for those who wish to use alternative password management services, such as Google or Apple's iCloud Keychain, there is a deadline to export passwords before August 1st. This exporting must be completed before the deadline, as saved passwords will no longer be accessible in Authenticator.
"If you have passkeys set up for your Microsoft account, then you must ensure that Authenticator remains enabled as your passkey provider — disabling Authenticator will disable your passkeys," Microsoft has reminded users. This highlights the importance of switching to passkey technology and ensuring that Authenticator is enabled as the primary password provider.
In summary, users have 28 days to decide how they want to manage their passwords moving forward. With the deadline fast approaching, it's essential to act now to ensure that your saved passwords are secure and accessible in the coming weeks.
The Future of Password Management: Passkeys
Passkey technology has been touted as a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. Microsoft Authenticator will continue to support passkeys, but users must take steps to ensure that Authenticator remains enabled as their primary password provider.
"The future of password management is here," says Microsoft. With the move towards passkeys, users can expect improved security and convenience in their online password management experience. However, it's essential to act now to transition to this new technology before the deadline.