Microsoft Shifts to Passkeys, Phasing Out Passwords in Authenticator App
CNET
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Contributed by: Drex DeFord
Summary
Microsoft is discontinuing password management in its Authenticator app and transitioning users to passkeys, which will take effect starting Friday. This move shifts the authentication landscape towards biometric data and device-specific PINs, offering a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. The use of passkeys, which employs public key cryptography, significantly mitigates risks associated with hacking, including phishing and brute-force attacks, as they are not stored on servers. This transition underscores the growing emphasis on security in healthcare technology, as providers seek to protect sensitive patient data and streamline user authentication processes.