passkeys Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2025

A Windows 11 bug makes you say goodbye to Windows Hello, but only temporarily

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting Windows 11 users that may prevent them from signing in via Windows Hello, particularly through facial recognition. This problem occurs after installing a specific Windows 11 update and performing a Push button reset or using the Reset this PC feature with the option to Keep my Files and Local install selected. Users may see messages indicating issues with their PIN or facial recognition setup. A definitive fix has not been released, but users can still log in with a PIN and reconfigure their facial recognition settings.

Tech Optimizer

April 10, 2025

6 overlooked security practices I implemented at home and I regret not using sooner

- Safeguarding technology is crucial in the digital age due to potential threats from various devices. - Two-factor authentication (2FA) enhances online account security by requiring a second code sent to a phone, email, or authentication app. - Biometric verification methods and hardware authentication devices like YubiKeys can further enhance security. - Backup codes should be printed when setting up 2FA, and passkeys offer a passwordless solution for securing accounts. - Ransomware can lock users out of data until a ransom is paid, and Windows 10 and 11 have a feature called Controlled Folder Access (CFA) to protect essential folders. - Windows Security provides baseline protection for PCs, and users should regularly check for updates and conduct manual scans. - Microsoft's PC Manager utility enhances system security by offering features for storage and app management alongside virus scanning. - Securing web browsers is vital, with unique settings available in browsers like Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Chrome to improve privacy and security. - Regularly clearing browsing history and keeping browsers updated helps mitigate risks from malware and phishing attacks. - Securing Wi-Fi routers involves changing the default admin password and SSID, using strong encryption like WPA3, and regularly updating firmware. - Custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt can enhance router security and functionality.

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.