2025-06-17T05:44:52Z

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In a significant shift in digital security, Microsoft has announced that the era of passwords is drawing to a close. In a recent statement, the tech giant highlighted the urgency for over a billion users to transition away from traditional passwords before it becomes too late. This initiative is not exclusive to Microsoft; Google is also advocating for a similar move, underscoring the pressing need for users to abandon outdated password practices.

This call to action comes in the wake of alarming statistics revealed by CNET, which indicated that approximately half of all U.S. users engage in risky password behaviors. These habits include reusing passwords across multiple accounts, sharing them with others, and opting for easily guessable passwords. However, the most concerning issue is the fundamental vulnerability of passwords to breaches and phishing attempts, which can compromise user security.

The alternative being promoted by both Microsoft and Google is the adoption of passkeys—an advanced, phishing-resistant method of authentication that significantly enhances security. Despite this recommendation, Google has pointed out that a staggering number of users, over half, have yet to implement two-factor authentication (2FA) on their accounts, let alone transition to passkeys. This highlights a considerable gap in digital security awareness that needs addressing.

Microsoft is setting a strict deadline for users to take action: in just six weeks, passwords stored in its Authenticator app will become inaccessible, and any passwords generated but not saved will be permanently deleted. Users are encouraged to migrate their passwords to the Microsoft Edge browser, which offers a seamless experience for managing saved credentials. To facilitate this transition, Microsoft has integrated a “Turn on Edge” button within the Authenticator app. The company reassured users that saved passwords, along with their addresses, would be securely synced to their Microsoft account, allowing continued access and autofill capabilities within Edge.

Furthermore, Microsoft has confirmed that the Authenticator app will continue to support passkeys. Users who have set up passkeys for their Microsoft accounts must ensure that the Authenticator remains enabled as their Passkey Provider; disabling the app will disable access to those passkeys. As Google continues to alert its users about the risks associated with relying on outdated sign-in methods like passwords and 2FA, it is clear that the number of individuals affected by this push toward passkeys is vast.

As cyber threats evolve, Microsoft warns that malicious actors are acutely aware of the gradual shift away from passwords. This awareness has led to an increase in password-related attacks, which users must now guard against. The advice from Microsoft is straightforward: adopting passkeys not only enhances security but also streamlines the user experience, allowing for faster sign-ins without the susceptibility to the same kinds of attacks that plague traditional passwords. The time for action is now—users must embrace this change before it’s too late.