Microsoft is ditching passwords in favor of fingerprints

Back in March, Microsoft introduced this feature to its business customers. Now, according to company representatives, all users can refuse passwords. “Nobody likes passwords. They are uncomfortable. They are a prime target for attacks, says Vasu Jakkal, Microsoft's vice president of security, compliance and identification, in a corporate blog. “Yet they have been essential to the security of our digital lives for years, from email to bank accounts, online shopping carts and video games. Nobody likes to create complex and unique passwords, remember them and change them often. Over the past two years, we've talked about going without passwords in the future, and I'm excited to announce the next step in that vision. Starting today, you can completely remove the password from your Microsoft account. Use the Microsoft Authenticator app, Windows Hello, security key or verification code sent to your phone or email to sign in to your favorite apps and services such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft OneDrive, and more. This feature will be launched in the coming weeks".

Experts agree that passwords should disappear from digital life in the future, writes the Daily Mail. Usually passwords are either not strong enough or too difficult to remember. Much more security is provided by multi-factor authentication, when access to multiple devices and biometric data is required to log in. More and more companies will move in this direction: for example, Apple has added features in iOS 15 that will make it possible to eliminate the use of passwords in the future.

For Microsoft, the new feature will not work on certain older devices and platforms, including Xbox 360, Office 2010, and Windows 8.1 or earlier consoles.