passkeys Archives

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Password Deletion For Windows Users—What You Do Now

Microsoft is transitioning away from passwords to enhance security, encouraging users to adopt passkeys. Passkeys are securely stored secrets on a user's device, unlocked through biometrics, PINs, or patterns, making them resistant to phishing and eliminating the need for complex passwords. Users can set up passkeys by signing into their Microsoft account's Advanced Security Options or Security Info, selecting a sign-in method, and following on-screen instructions. Once established, signing in is straightforward, requiring only the chosen authentication method. Microsoft is prioritizing passkeys for new accounts and refining its sign-in logic to improve efficiency, with passkeys being three times faster than traditional passwords. Passkeys can be used across devices and applications that support them, with Windows Hello facilitating authentication.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Microsoft is asking people to delete their passwords

Microsoft will introduce a new sign-in and account creation process emphasizing passkeys starting in April, impacting over a billion users. New users will verify their email and generate a passkey instead of creating a password, while existing accounts will prioritize passkeys for authentication. Microsoft's goal is to eliminate passwords entirely, as passkeys are tied to a user's device and can be unlocked using biometric methods. The company blocks approximately 7,000 password-related attacks every second, highlighting the vulnerability of traditional passwords. Passkeys are securely stored on devices, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, and are reported to be three times faster than traditional passwords.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Microsoft is streamlining logins for Windows, Xbox, and M365

Microsoft is transforming its Microsoft Account (MSA) sign-in experience to create a modern interface across web and mobile platforms, with plans for Windows to follow. By the end of April, users will see a revamped login and registration process with a streamlined flow and fewer elements per screen. The update will optimize passwordless sign-ins through the introduction of passkeys, which will become the default method for future logins. If a passkey is not used, email-based logins will be the fallback option. The redesigned interface will feature consistent Microsoft branding, with a unified background image and color-themed buttons and links for different services. The rollout of this new experience is expected to be completed by the end of April.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Microsoft’s passwordless future is here for Outlook, Xbox, 365, and more

Microsoft is transforming its sign-in screens to simplify the authentication process for over 3 billion users globally. The rollout has begun, with Xbox users already experiencing changes, and the revamped login experience will be available for Windows and other Microsoft services by the end of April. The update emphasizes passwordless authentication methods, such as passkeys, facial recognition, and fingerprint scans, moving away from traditional password reliance. Users signing up will not need to create a password but will receive a one-time security code for verification and will be prompted to create a passkey. The sign-in flow is being redesigned to reduce complexity, and the new screens will adopt Microsoft’s Fluent Design aesthetic, offering a dark theme option for customization. The updated sign-in process is currently available on the Xbox website, with web and mobile applications set to follow.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

No More Passwords? Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Plunges on Paradigm Shift

Microsoft has announced a shift from traditional passwords to passkeys for user authentication, which has caused a more than 2.5% drop in its share prices. Passkeys are linked to a user's hardware, providing enhanced security, but raise concerns about device failure and account recovery. The company is also reintroducing the People app, integrating it into Teams to improve connectivity. Analysts have given Microsoft a Strong Buy consensus rating, with 32 Buy recommendations and two Holds, despite a 9.75% decline in share price over the last year. The average price target suggests a potential upside of 34.52%.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

New Browser-Based RDP for Secure Remote Windows Server Access

Cloudflare has launched a clientless, browser-based Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) solution that enhances its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities for secure access to Windows servers. This solution eliminates the need for traditional RDP clients and utilizes IronRDP, a high-performance RDP client developed in Rust, which operates within the browser. The implementation secures RDP sessions using TLS-based WebSocket connections and integrates with Cloudflare Access for authentication through JSON Web Tokens (JWT). The system supports modern security standards, including Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and device posture checks. Cloudflare plans to add session monitoring, data loss prevention features, and pursue FedRAMP High certification for compliance with government standards.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

6 essential skills every Windows 11 user needs to master

- Windows 11 users can enhance their experience and security by mastering essential skills such as managing updates, securing online presence, and utilizing system settings. - To protect accounts and sensitive information online, users should consider using a password manager, passkeys, and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts. - A VPN with end-to-end encryption can enhance online security, and users should familiarize themselves with their web browser's security settings. - Windows 11 updates are released on the first Tuesday of each month, with a major feature update annually; users can prevent auto-restarts and pause updates for up to five weeks. - The Settings app in Windows 11 has replaced much of the Control Panel for managing system settings, and users should explore it thoroughly. - OneDrive is integrated into Windows 11 for backing up, restoring, and sharing files, and users can create encrypted folders and use Files-on-Demand. - Regularly reviewing and uninstalling unnecessary applications can help maintain PC performance, and users can manage default applications and disable startup apps via Task Manager. - Accessing the BIOS/UEFI allows for updates, security adjustments, and hardware configuration changes, typically done by pressing keys like Esc, F2, or F8 during boot.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

Windows 11 will start reminding you to add a password recovery email soon

Users are encouraged to create a Microsoft account to enhance their Windows 11 experience, although it is possible to use Windows 11 without one. If a user forgets their password, they can recover it by clicking the “I forgot my password” link, which requires a backup email or phone number linked to the account. Microsoft is introducing push notifications in Windows 11 to prompt users to add a backup email or phone number for easier password recovery. These notifications are currently being tested in update KB5053660 for Windows 11 Insiders and are expected to be available to all users later this spring.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

Google Password Manager may be set to introduce a nuclear option for its Android app

Google is enhancing its Password Manager by introducing a 'delete all' option, allowing users to remove all saved credentials at once instead of individually. Screenshots indicate a new setting that reads, “Delete all data: From Google Password Manager, including passwords and passkeys.” Currently, users must delete their entire browser data to remove all passwords, which is not ideal. This feature is particularly useful for users migrating to different password managers. Although Google has not confirmed the rollout, the anticipation reflects the demand for better password management solutions.

Tech Optimizer

February 25, 2025

If you’re not using these PC security essentials, you’re begging to be hacked

The text discusses the current state of digital security, highlighting the increased risks such as data breaches and AI-driven attacks. It emphasizes the importance of adopting a proactive approach to online safety and provides a list of essential security tools: 1. Antivirus Software: The built-in Windows Security suite is recommended, with paid options like Norton 360 Deluxe offering additional features. 2. Password Manager: Tools like Bitwarden and Dashlane help manage complex passwords and minimize personal data storage. 3. Two-Factor Authentication App: Apps like Authy and Google Authenticator provide an extra verification layer to reduce unauthorized access. 4. Modern Devices: Passkeys are emerging as a secure alternative to traditional passwords, simplifying logins. 5. Email Masks: Services like DuckDuckGo and Firefox Relay offer disposable email addresses to enhance anonymity. 6. Google Voice Number: This service provides a secure alternative for sharing phone numbers, particularly for two-factor authentication.