Microsoft has announced users can now delete all passwords from their accounts and instead login using an authenticator app or other solution.
The technology giant made passwordless accounts available for business users of its products in March.
And that system is now being made available to all Microsoft or Windows users.
It said “nearly 100% of our employees” were already using the new, more secure system for their corporate accounts.
If passwordless login is enabled, users re-logging in to a Microsoft account will be asked to give their fingerprint, or other secure unlock, on their mobile phone.
And this is far more secure than using passwords, which can be guessed or stolen, according to Microsoft.
“Only you can provide fingerprint authentication or provide the right response on your mobile at the right time,” it said.
Windows users will still be able to use quick-login features such as a Pin code, though.
Some rare exceptions will still need passwords, such as Office 2010, Xbox 360 consoles, and Windows 8.1 or earlier machines.
And if access to the authenticator app is lost – for example, if the phone it is installed on is lost or stolen or a user forgets when upgrading – backup options can be used, including:
- Windows Hello facial recognition, which requires a compatible laptop or special camera
- a physical security key, which must be used on the device logging in
- Short Message Service (SMS) or email codes
But SMS and email are two of the most common channels for cyber-criminals targeting specific individuals
And Microsoft says security-conscious users who have two-factor authentication set up will need to have access to two different recovery methods.
‘Pummelled home’
The new passwordless feature greets users with a box saying: “A passwordless account reduces the risk of phishing and password attacks.”
And once the feature is set up, a confirmation tells users: “
You have increased the security of your account and improved your sign-in experience by removing your password”.
Microsoft’s claims about poor password use were largely true, Prof Woodward said.
“The message has been pummelled home about what good password hygiene looks like – but it’s easier said than done,” he said.
Passwords were a decades-old concept “and maybe the time is now right to start looking for something different”.
But there were no currently agreed standards.