{"id":224,"date":"2025-03-31T09:12:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T09:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sicomx.com\/?p=224"},"modified":"2025-03-31T09:13:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T09:13:11","slug":"the-end-of-passwords-in-windows-microsoft-launches-a-revolution-for-1-billion-users","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sicomx.com\/?p=224&lang=en-gb","title":{"rendered":"The end of passwords in Windows: Microsoft launches a revolution for 1 billion users"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is it really possible that passwords \u2013 the foundation of online security for decades \u2013 are becoming obsolete? Microsoft just confirmed it. In the coming weeks, the company is rolling out a global change: instead of traditional passwords, Windows users will log in using passkeys<\/strong>. This shift affects over 1 billion user accounts<\/strong> and marks a new era of digital security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Passkeys?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Passkeys are a modern authentication method<\/strong> designed to replace passwords completely. Instead of entering your login and password, authentication relies on biometrics (like a fingerprint or face scan)<\/strong> or a local PIN \u2013 all on a device you already use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passkeys use public-key cryptography<\/strong>. One key (private) is securely stored on your device, while the other (public) is saved on the service’s server, such as Microsoft\u2019s. When you try to log in, your device signs a special challenge with the private key, and the server verifies it using the public one. That means you don\u2019t need to type any password<\/strong>, which could be intercepted or stolen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Microsoft Getting Rid of Passwords?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Back in December 2024, Microsoft made it clear: “the password era is ending<\/strong>.” The company warns that passwords are the weakest link<\/strong> in the entire security chain \u2013 easy to crack, phish, or simply forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cEven if a user has both a passkey and a password, the account remains vulnerable to phishing,\u201d Microsoft explains.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The company blocks 7,000 password-based attacks every second<\/strong>, double the number from a year ago. With AI-powered tools now helping cybercriminals, password attacks are more dangerous than ever. Microsoft\u2019s goal is to completely remove passwords<\/strong> and replace them with more secure alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Is the Transition to Passkeys Happening?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By the end of April 2025, Microsoft users will be able to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n