New York – If you are a user of Microsoft Authenticator, like me, you have probably received at least one opinion that the application word management features of the application are no longer usable and your stored passwords will be deleted on August 1. Yes, you read correctly, your passwords will be deleted this Friday.
For what? Because Microsoft moves its signature connection application to a digital authentication method presented by safety experts as an easier and more secure means of connecting: Passkeys.
“Last year (2024), we observed 7,000 stunning password attacks per second (more than double the rate from 2023),” wrote Microsoft in a blog article. “Although passwords have existed for centuries, we hope that their reign over our online world ends.”
The authenticator has been a must for multi-factory authentication, punctual passwords and biometric connections for services and certain websites. Although the application continues to provide authentication for services compatible with Passkey, it pushes its password management and automatic functions to the company’s Edge browser.
Note that all websites and applications have not yet adopted Passkeys, many places are still based on passwords.
If you have not yet moved to another password management system or configure your Passkeys, we are here to help you.
Passkeys deletes with complex 14 -characters passwords because you never need to see them. Instead, you use existing biometrics such as your face or fingerprints, digital models or pins to access your accounts.
Passkeys is made up of two parts of a code that only makes sense when combined, a bit like a digital key and a padlock. You keep half of the encrypted code, generally stored either in the cloud with a compatible verification application – including the authenticator – or on a physical safety dongle. The other half is stored on applications, services or participating accounts in which you wish to access.
The bad news? You must configure individual pass keys for each service or application that accepts them. Keeping trace of where you can use them in relation to traditional passwords can be difficult.
If you have opened an authenticator in recent months, you have probably been invited to install a touchdown passing through a guided experience.
If you have not received such a prompt, you can configure a new Passkey by opening the Authenticator application on your device. Find and press your account, then select option “Configure a pass key”. Follow the application instructions.
The good news is that all your old passwords are synchronized with your Microsoft account. But to access it after August 1, you will first need to install the Edge browser on your choice of choice (and connect).
For iOS users, access general settings automatically & Passwords and light the edge.
Android users click on their way to the General Password and Service Autofill Autofill Password settings and select Edge.
Laptop and desktop users will have to open Edge and access passwords for parameter profiles. There, you must find an automatic rocking and another option to save new passwords on your account.
First, see our advice on the selection and use of password managers. There are many services – paid and free – and options to consider.
Now, to export your authenticator passwords, open the application to your device, then access the export words of the parameters. This will spit an exported file containing your data.
Most password managers – including those integrated into other browsers, or the own Apple and Android key to the importing option, which should accept this file. If you have difficulty with importation, it is best to consult your customer service lines to get help.
