Ethical Hacking News
Microsoft has announced that it will be removing password management from its Authenticator app starting August 1, 2025, as part of a broader effort to streamline two-factor authentication. This change marks a significant shift in the way users manage their passwords and highlights the growing importance of robust password management solutions in the fight against cyber threats.
Microsoft will remove password management from its Authenticator app starting August 1, 2025.The change aims to streamline autofill in the 2FA app and encourage users to use more robust password management solutions.Users who rely on the Authenticator app for password management must switch to alternative methods, such as dedicated password managers or autofill providers.Passkey users do not need to change, but they must ensure their passwords are managed elsewhere.Microsoft has provided guidance for users switching to alternative password management solutions.
Microsoft has announced that it will be removing password management from its Authenticator app starting August 1, 2025. This change is part of the company's efforts to streamline autofill in the two-factor authentication (2FA) app, and it marks a significant shift in the way users manage their passwords.
The decision to abandon password management in the Authenticator app was made by Microsoft after months of testing and refinement. According to the company, the changes are aimed at improving the overall user experience and reducing the complexity associated with managing passwords. By removing password management from the app, Microsoft hopes to encourage users to use more robust password management solutions.
The new policy will apply to both mobile and desktop versions of the Authenticator app, although the desktop version is expected to be phased out in the near future. Users who currently rely on the Authenticator app for password management will need to switch to alternative methods, such as using a dedicated password manager or setting up autofill providers.
Another key aspect of the policy change is that it does not apply to passkeys. Users who have enabled passkeys for their Microsoft accounts are required to enable Authenticator as their passkey provider. Disabling Authenticator will also have the side effect of disabling passkeys. This means that users who rely on passkeys for authentication can continue to do so, but they must ensure that they set up alternative methods for managing passwords.
Microsoft has provided guidance for users who need to switch to alternative password management solutions. Users can export their passwords from the Authenticator app and then import them into a dedicated password manager or set up autofill providers on their mobile devices.
The policy change is part of Microsoft's broader efforts to improve its authentication systems. The company has been working to enhance its 2FA capabilities, including the introduction of passkeys, which provide an additional layer of security for users. By encouraging users to use more robust password management solutions, Microsoft aims to reduce the risk associated with weak passwords and improve overall security.
Experts have praised Microsoft's decision to remove password management from the Authenticator app, citing the need for improved security and reduced complexity in password management. However, some have expressed concerns that users may struggle to adapt to alternative methods.
Overall, the policy change represents a significant shift in the way Microsoft approaches password management. By encouraging users to use more robust solutions, the company aims to improve overall security and reduce the risk associated with weak passwords.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-Shifting-Landscape-of-Cybersecurity-Microsofts-Authentication-App-Abandons-Password-Management-ehn.shtml
https://thehackernews.com/2025/07/microsoft-removes-password-management.html
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-authenticator-will-soon-ditch-passwords-for-passkeys-heres-what-to-do/
Published: Tue Jul 1 00:28:36 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
