security keys Archives

Tech Optimizer

December 2, 2025

The Cyber Monday 2025 Cybersecurity, IT, VPN, & Antivirus Deals

As Black Friday 2025 approaches, various early deals are available across multiple sectors. Password Manager Deals: - Passwork: 50% discount on all plans. - LastPass: - 50% off Premium & Families - 10% off Teams - 20% off Business - 30% off Business Max Plans - Dashlane: 60% discount on all personal plans. VPN Deals: - NordVPN: Up to 77% off a 2-year subscription; basic plan at .99/month (74% discount). - SurfShark: Up to 88% off with three free months on a 2-year subscription. - ProtonVPN: Up to 70% off, depending on subscription length. Antivirus Software Deals: - Malwarebytes: 50% off 1-year or 2-year subscriptions to Standard, Plus, and Ultimate plans. - Avast: Up to 70% off antivirus software. - ESET: 50% off ESET Home antivirus software. - Bitdefender: 30% off subscriptions for GravityZone products. Personal Information Privacy Deals: - Incogni: 55% off personal information removal plans with coupon code BFDEAL25. - DeleteMe: 30% off privacy protection plans with coupon code BFCM30OFF25. IT and Security Courses Deals: - PuralSight: 60% off individual plans with coupon code BLACKFRIDAY60. - Udemy: Cyber Week sale with courses available for .99. - ISC2: 10% off cybersecurity training and courses from November 28 to December 5. Security & IT Black Friday Deals: - Firewalla: Sitewide discounts and additional savings on devices. - Hak5: Hacked November Sale with significant discounts. - Yubico: 30% off YubiKey 5 NFC and 5C NFC security keys.

Winsage

November 29, 2025

Microsoft: Windows updates make password login option invisible

Microsoft has warned Windows 11 users about an issue where the password sign-in option may not appear on the lock screen after updates since August 2025, although the functionality is still available. This issue affects users who installed the KB5064081 non-security preview update or later on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 systems. Users can still log in by hovering over the area where the password icon should be, which reveals the button to access the password text box. Microsoft is working on a fix but has not provided a timeline. Additionally, Microsoft addressed other issues related to the KB5064081 update, including playback interruptions in DRM-protected video applications and installation problems for non-admin users. Earlier, Microsoft also released emergency updates to fix issues with security updates failing and problems with Windows reset and recovery features.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

Microsoft Security Keys May Require PIN After Recent Windows Updates

Microsoft announced an update for FIDO2 security keys on Windows 11, introducing a new prompt for users to set up a PIN during authentication. The rollout began with preview update KB5065789 on September 29, 2025, for OS Builds 26200.6725 and 26100.6725, and was completed with security update KB5068861 on November 11, 2025, for OS Builds 26200.7171 and 26100.7171. This update affects sign-ins where a Relying Party (RP) or Identity Provider (IDP) requests User Verification set to “Preferred” for keys without a PIN, in accordance with WebAuthn specifications. Users must now set up a PIN during authentication flows, not just during registration. To avoid PIN prompts, RPs or IDPs can set “userVerification” to “discouraged.” There is no option to roll back the changes.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

Microsoft Security Keys May Require a PIN After Recent Windows Updates

Microsoft has updated Windows to require users to create and configure a PIN for FIDO2 security keys during sign-in, even if they did not set one during initial registration. This requirement applies to users who install the Windows preview update released on September 29, 2025 (KB5065789, OS Builds 26200.6725 and 26100.6725) or later updates. The necessity for a PIN is triggered when a Relying Party (RP) or Identity Provider (IDP) requests User Verification set to “Preferred.” The update aims to ensure compliance with WebAuthn specifications and began rolling out gradually on Windows 11 devices after the September 29, 2025 update, with full deployment completed by the November 11, 2025 security update (KB5068861, OS Builds 26200.7171 and 26100.7171). Windows now supports three verification settings: Discouraged, Preferred, and Required, with “Preferred” indicating that user verification should occur if supported by the authenticator.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Microsoft: Security keys may prompt for PIN after recent updates

Microsoft issued a notice to users about a new behavior related to FIDO2 security keys following Windows updates since the September 2025 preview update. This change affects devices on Windows 11 versions 24H2 or 25H2, where users may be prompted to enter a PIN during authentication. The adjustment aligns with WebAuthn specifications, which outline protocols for authentication methods, including PINs and biometrics. User verification can be categorized as discouraged, preferred, or required, with "preferred" necessitating a PIN setup if supported by the authenticator. The rollout began after the KB5065789 preview update and was completed with the November KB5068861 security update. Microsoft stated that after installing the September 29, 2025 update, users might need to create a PIN to sign in with a security key, even if it was not required during initial registration. This behavior occurs when a Relying Party or Identity Provider requests User Verification = Preferred during authentication with a FIDO2 security key lacking a PIN. Organizations can opt to adjust the user verification setting to "discouraged" if they do not want to require users to create or enter PINs. FIDO2 security keys enable passwordless authentication by requiring the physical presence of a USB, NFC, or Bluetooth token, gaining popularity as organizations seek to reduce risks associated with traditional passwords.