MICROSOFT is warning users that their passwords will disappear soon from a popular free app.
The tech giant is removing the password storage tool within its Microsoft Authenticator app.
AlamyAccess to passwords within the app will be completely blocked by August[/caption]While many use the platform to verify their identity there is also a useful password autofill capability.
The feature allows users to securely store all their passwords in one place and summon them from any mobile device or computer you’re logged into.
But it’s being phased out, with the first stage commencing in days.
From June, you’ll be blocked from saving any new passwords on the app.
Then in July, the autofill function that automatically adds your login details onto webpage will stop working.
Finally, the entire saved passwords tool will cease in August with any login data stored on the app deleted.
Microsoft has ramped up warnings to users, with a banner now appearing in the app.
“Autofill via Authenticator ends in July 2025,” the app says.
“You can export your saved info (passwords only) from Authenticator until Autofill ends.
“Access your passwords and addresses via Microsoft Edge at any time.
“To keep autofilling your info, turn on Edge or other provider.”
The popular passkeys and two-factor authentication features on Microsoft Authenticator will continue to work as normal.
It all comes as tech firms shift away from the dreaded password which are easily hacked, due to common mistakes like re-used passwords or easily guessed terms.
By comparison, passkeys can’t be guessed and they’re impossible to re-use too.
A number of tech companies such as Google are shifting people from passwords to passkeys.
SHOULD I SWITCH TO PASSKEYS?
Here's what security expert Chris Hauk, Consumer Privacy Advocate at Pixel Privacy, told The Sun...
“Passwords are both hard to remember and in most cases, easy to guess.
“I would venture to say that most users (especially older users) will reuse passwords, simply because of all of the websites and apps that require sign-ins.
“While password managers do help, they are at best, a stopgap measure and do not offer full-ranging security for your login information.
“Passkeys offer the advantage of eliminating the need to enter an email address and password to log in.
“This is especially handy when users are logging in on an iPhone or Android device.
“Passkeys have multiple advantages over passwords. Passkeys cannot be shared or guessed.
“Passkeys are unique to the website or app they are created for, so they cannot be used to login elsewhere like a reused password can.
“Plus, passkeys cannot be stolen in a data breach, as the passkeys are not stored on the company’s servers.
“But are instead are a private key stored only on your device, where biometric authentication (like face ID or Touch ID) is required to use the passkey.”
Image credit: Getty
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