passkeys Archives

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Offer Hits New High—Check Your Windows PC Now

Microsoft is alerting Windows users about a significant cyber threat as many PCs will stop receiving essential security updates. A free upgrade to Windows 11 is recommended, which offers enhanced security, but 240 million users remain at risk. Microsoft encourages users with outdated PCs to transition to Windows 11, which requires a TPM 2.0 security module. As of April, Windows 11's adoption has reached 44%, while 53% of users are still on Windows 10, though this percentage is declining. The gap between Windows 11 and Windows 10 usage has narrowed to within 10%. Users unable to upgrade may face security risks and should consider safer alternatives, including transitioning to passkeys instead of passwords for their Microsoft accounts.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Pushing passkeys forward: Microsoft’s latest updates for simpler, safer sign-ins

The tech community is celebrating the first "World Passkey Day," moving away from "World Password Day," with Microsoft and other organizations committing to the Passkey Pledge to promote passkey adoption. Microsoft has developed passkeys as a secure authentication method, replacing traditional passwords and allowing access via facial recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Over 99% of users now prefer Windows Hello for sign-ins, and hundreds of websites support passkeys, which are resistant to phishing. Last year, there were 7,000 password attacks every second, highlighting the urgency of this transition. Microsoft has introduced passkey support for consumer applications, achieving nearly a million registrations daily, with passkey sign-ins being three times more successful and eight times faster than traditional methods. New Microsoft accounts will be created without passwords by default, and the sign-in process will prioritize passwordless methods. Currently, over 15 billion user accounts can use passkeys, with a goal to transition billions more.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft pushes unphishable logins forward with new sign-in options

Microsoft is making passwordless logins the default method for new account sign-ins, promoting passkeys as an alternative to traditional passwords. This initiative is part of a collaboration with Google and Apple under the FIDO Alliance to enhance security and streamline the login process. New users will have passkeys set as their default sign-in method, while existing users will be prompted to switch during their next login. The shift to passkeys aims to address issues related to password management and security vulnerabilities. However, users must install the Microsoft Authenticator app to fully transition to a passwordless experience, as compatibility with other authentication apps is not supported. Without the app, users cannot completely eliminate their login passwords, which may reduce the security benefits of using passkeys.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Delete Your Password

Microsoft aims to eliminate passwords for a billion users, promoting the use of passkeys that enhance account security by linking it to physical devices. The company warns that password-related attacks are increasing and emphasizes that having both a passkey and a password leaves accounts vulnerable to phishing. On World Password Day, Microsoft encourages users to abandon passwords entirely. The FIDO Alliance supports this initiative with a "Passkey Pledge," highlighting that over 35% of individuals have faced account compromises due to password vulnerabilities. Research shows that 54% of those familiar with passkeys find them more convenient, and 53% believe they offer better security. Microsoft will make new accounts passwordless by default and encourages existing users to remove their passwords. Passkeys are described as easy to use, intuitive, and resistant to phishing. For those who continue to use passwords, Microsoft advises making them long and complex and using authentication apps for two-factor authentication.

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.