Key Points
- Microsoft has introduced passkeys, a new way to sign in to apps and websites without needing a password, with Microsoft Password Manager in Edge.
- Passkeys are more secure and simpler to use, utilizing devices’ built-in security features like fingerprints, facial recognition, or PINs.
- The feature is currently available on Windows devices with Microsoft Edge 142 and will be expanded to other platforms soon.
Microsoft has announced the rollout of passkeys, a new authentication method that allows users to sign in to apps and websites without needing a traditional password. This update is now available in Microsoft Edge 142 on Windows for Microsoft Accounts. Passkeys are built on the Fast IDentity Online 2 (FIDO2) open standard, which uses public-key cryptography to securely sign users in.
Passkeys work by using a device’s built-in security features, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN, to authenticate users. This approach provides stronger security than traditional passwords, as passkeys cannot be guessed or reused. Additionally, passkeys are resistant to phishing and credential stuffing attacks. Users can store passkeys in Microsoft Password Manager in Edge, and they will be securely synced across devices using a Microsoft account.
The use of passkeys offers several benefits, including a faster and simpler way to sign in, as users no longer need to remember complex passwords or type them manually. Passkeys are also designed with privacy in mind, as biometric data is processed locally on the device, and websites only receive a cryptographic proof of the user’s identity.
To use passkeys in Microsoft Edge, users can store them in Microsoft Password Manager. When visiting a website that supports passkeys, users will be asked if they want to create a passkey, which will be saved in Microsoft Password Manager and can be used to log in to the website by performing the preferred device authentication method. On subsequent devices, users will need to verify themselves by providing the Microsoft Password Manager PIN to unlock their passkeys.
The passkeys are stored securely in the cloud in an encrypted format and are protected by a Microsoft Password Manager PIN. If a user forgets their PIN, they can reset it from a device that already has passkey access. All unlocking and reset attempts of the Microsoft Password Manager PIN are logged and integrity-protected in the Azure confidential ledger for added transparency.
Microsoft plans to expand passkey support to other platforms and apps, including the Microsoft Password Manager plugin on Windows, which will allow users to use their passkeys outside of Edge. The company has also addressed common questions about passkeys, such as what happens to saved passwords, the need to create new accounts, and the security of passkeys if a device is stolen.
Overall, the introduction of passkeys by Microsoft marks a significant step towards improving online security and simplifying the sign-in process for users. As the feature becomes more widely available, users can expect a more secure and convenient way to access their apps and websites.
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