Microsoft enables passwordless login. This allows customers to sign in to their Microsoft account without having to enter passwords. Instead, the respective account is linked to a second factor, such as Windows Hello, the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app or a verification code sent to your phone or email.
The passwordless login is already widespread in the commercial sector, according to the US magazine The Verge. Customers have been able to try out the feature since March 2021.
The pandemic has accelerated the progress of passwordless logins, says Vasu Jakkal, Microsoft’s head of security. “The number of attack surfaces has increased exponentially, so that was a big driving factor for us in accelerating a lot of our security initiatives.”
Almost one hundred percent of the entire company is internally equipped with passwordless login methods. In addition, 200 million people are already on the move without a password, said Jakkal. He was optimistic and sees this as a new innovative registration method.
To activate the passwordless login, customers first need the Microsoft Authenticator, which is currently the only option that is activated. This then switches itself on before each registration. Logging in without a password does not remove two-factor authentication. The setting for the new function can be found under the Advanced Security tab.
Using the authenticator instead of a manual password is primarily intended to increase account security.
