security keys Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 16, 2026

4 Outdated Cybersecurity Tips That No Longer Keep You Safe

Creating strong passwords and storing them securely in a password manager is essential. Utilizing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, with passwordless options like passkeys and security keys enhancing convenience and security. Public Wi-Fi networks pose significant risks, as hackers can use Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks to intercept data. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can enhance security by encrypting data. Traditional antivirus software may struggle against adaptive malware, which uses machine learning to evade detection. Companies like Bitdefender have integrated machine learning into their antivirus solutions. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is commonly used but can be bypassed by hackers. Transitioning to passkeys and security keys can improve protection against unauthorized access.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2026

4 Outdated Cybersecurity Tips That No Longer Keep You Safe

Creating robust passwords and storing them securely in a password manager is essential. Utilizing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is recommended for added security. Passwordless options like passkeys and security keys enhance convenience and security. Public Wi-Fi networks pose significant security risks, and caution is necessary when connecting. Hackers often use Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks to intercept data on unsecured networks. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can safeguard data by encrypting it before transmission. VPN routers can encrypt data for devices that cannot install a VPN. Traditional antivirus software may struggle against adaptive malware, which uses machine learning to evolve and evade detection. Companies are integrating machine learning into their antivirus solutions. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is commonly used but has diminished effectiveness due to new tactics employed by cybercriminals. Users should consider transitioning to passkeys and security keys for better protection against unauthorized access.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Microsoft Introduces Phishing-Resistant Windows Sign-Ins With Entra Passkeys

Microsoft will introduce phishing-resistant passwordless authentication through passkeys for Windows devices, integrated with Microsoft Entra. This feature is expected to enter public preview between mid-March and late April 2026 for global tenants, while government cloud environments will receive the update from mid-April to mid-May. Users can access Entra-protected resources using device-bound passkeys stored securely within Windows Hello, allowing authentication through biometric or local verification methods. This update expands passwordless authentication to unmanaged or personal Windows devices. Passkeys utilize public-key cryptography, enhancing security by storing a private key on the device and registering a matching public key with the service. Each passkey is uniquely associated with a specific device and cannot be exported or synchronized. Organizations must enable the Passkeys (FIDO2) authentication method in Entra for the preview. This initiative is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to eliminate passwords, responding to rising cybersecurity concerns related to password-based authentication.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Windows User Switches to Linux, Misses Windows Hello

The author transitioned from Windows to Linux for daily workflows, finding that most essential tools adapted well. Linux distributions can easily detect hardware on modern x86 laptops, and community projects enhance compatibility for devices like Microsoft’s Surface. Software integration was smooth, with applications like Microsoft Edge and 1Password functioning without issues. However, the author misses Windows Hello's biometric sign-in, which lacks a universal equivalent in Linux. Community solutions exist but often require technical adjustments. Linux desktops provide a polished experience, but challenges remain, such as webcam functionality and sleep/resume issues. Selecting compatible hardware is crucial for a successful transition, and Linux holds about 4% of the desktop market share globally.

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.