Yesterday Microsoft announced that they are supporting standards-based FIDO2 security key devices that can allow users to sign in to their Microsoft accounts without having to key in their passwords.
First and foremost, users will need to update their Windows to make sure that they are using the Windows 10 October 2018 version. Next, users need to set up their Windows Hello and also security key which can be purchased from Microsoft’s partners such as Yubico and Feitian Technologies.
Image credit: Microsoft
For users who have the FIDO 2 devices, they can just use security keys to confirm their identities with biometric or PIN based on the FIDO 2 standard. Besides that, users can use Windows Hello that allows log in through facial recognition or fingerprint sensor which depends on the devices they are using. Another password-less method by Microsoft is the Microsoft Authenticator app which will display a certain number on the device and send a message to the user’s smartphone to match the previous number, and then the user will have to enter their smartphone’s password for authentication, which is somewhat like the two-factor authentication.
Image credit: Microsoft
This will be the easier and quicker way for users to sign in to their Microsoft accounts, not to mention that it will also be a safer option. If this technology continues to expand, soon everyone will be able to sign in to emails and apps without the need of using passwords.