Microsoft will erase your passwords on August 1. What are you doing now

Microsoft gets rid of passwords in less than two weeks.

On August 1, Microsoft Authenticator The application is no longer storing or managing passwords, which may be a problem for many users. Microsoft Authenticator has been one of the best password managers for years. I managed to save passwords and enable dual -factor authentication and automatic filling. This change means that if you are using the authenticator app as a password manager, you will need to search for another option soon.

At the same time, Microsoft will move to Keys instead of.

Using the Passke key, such as login, means using nails, fingerprint wiping, facial recognition, or pattern on the device lock screen. It is a safer option compared to risky password habits. A CNET scanned I found that 49 % of our adults have bad password habits. The presence of an unsafe password can endanger you at the risk of exposing your information.

If you use Microsoft Authenticator, it’s now time to start making changes. Here is what to know about the key and the best Password managers CNET recommends.

When will Microsoft Authenticator stop supporting passwords?

Microsoft Authenticator includes your passwords and allows you to log in to all your Microsoft accounts with a pin or face recognition like Windows Hello or other biometric data such as fingerprint. Authenticator can be used in other ways, such as checking the login if you forget your password, or use bilateral factors as an additional layer of safety for your accounts. In June, the company stopped allowing users to add passwords to ratification.

Starting this month, you will not be able to use the automatic password function. Next month, you are no longer able to use saved passwords.

If you still want to use passwords instead of corridors, you can store them in Microsoft Edge. However, CNET experts recommend adopting corridors during this transition. “The general KOMPHOGRAPHY keys are used to authenticate users, instead of relying on users themselves creating passwords (they are often weak or reusable) to reach their online accounts,” said Tomashk.

Why is it a better alternative to passwords?

So what is exactly a file The corridor key? It is the accreditation data created by the rapid alliance of the Internet that uses biometric data or the personal identification number to verify your identity and access your account. Consider using fingerprints or facial identifiers to log in to your account. This is generally safer than using a password that is easy to guess or Positive to the hunting attack.

“Passwords can be cracked, while the corridors keys need both the private key and a local key to authentication of users, which can help reduce risks such as a victim of hunting in attacks, brute writers, internal forces or accreditation,” said the digital security officer.

The corridors are not stored on servers like passwords. Instead, it is stored only on your personal device. More convenient, this takes guessing from remembering your passwords and the need for a Password Director.

How to prepare the traffic key in Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft said in A. May 1 Publisher Blog It will automatically discover the best pass to set up your virtual login option. “If you have a password and prepare” one -time code “on your account, we will ask you to log in using one -time code instead of your password. After logging in, you will be asked to register the traffic key. Then the next time you log in, you will be asked to log in with your traffic key,” according to the blog’s participation.

To prepare a new traffic key, open the authentication app on your phone. Click on your account and select “Setting the Traffic Key”. You will be required to log in with your existing credentials. After logging in, you can prepare the traffic key.

Other password alternatives

Since Microsoft will get rid of all your passwords within two weeks, you will need a new place to safely store passwords. Tomaschek has a few The best password manager recommendations After testing and reviewing many.

The higher recommendation is Bitwarden For her transparency. It is open source and is reviewed annually. From the price perspective, the free plan allows you to store unlimited passwords across unlimited devices. The free plan also includes the features of most password managers, including sharing password, username and password generator.

BitWarden plans have an upgrade on other promotional features that may also deserve cost.

Personally, Tomaschek 1password is used for a period of time, and loves the plan and family. Although it is second in the list, Tomaschek says it is good like BitWarden.