In the coming weeks, Microsoft will introduce a “passwordless account” option for all users of numerous major services, including Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft OneDrive.
In March, Microsoft made this option available to corporate accounts.
In a blog post published by the company, Vasu Jakkal, the company’s corporate vice president of security, compliance, and identity, said, “You can now entirely delete the password from your Microsoft account.”
Instead of passwords, users will be able to access these services using either Microsoft’s Authenticator program, which generates a unique numbered login code every few seconds, or Windows Hello, which allows users to sign in using face recognition, a fingerprint, or a unique pin.
Users can also purchase an external security key, such as a USB stick with login information stored on it, or register a phone number to receive a verification code from Microsoft.
Microsoft’s decision follows a surge in cyberattacks during the past year.
Hackers have many more channels to penetrate a company’s networks now that the bulk of corporate employees are working from home due to the coronavirus outbreak, and compromising passwords is one of their most prevalent techniques.
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