Introduction: The Password Era is Ending
We’ve long relied on passwords to protect our digital lives — from email accounts and social media platforms to banking apps and cloud storage. But that era is coming to an end, and tech giants are making that transition clear. Both Microsoft and Google are now urgently urging their users to move away from passwords and shift toward passkeys, a newer, more secure form of authentication that promises to solve many of the issues that traditional passwords present.
With billions of users affected by this shift, it’s not just a simple update — it’s a major overhaul in how we think about digital security.
The Problem with Passwords
Passwords have always been the first line of defense online, but they come with serious limitations. According to a recent warning from CNET, half of all internet users in the U.S. continue to exhibit risky password behavior. This includes:
- Reusing the same password across multiple accounts
- Sharing passwords with others
- Using weak or easily guessed passwords like “123456” or “password”
These habits expose users to phishing attacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access, making them vulnerable in a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Even so, many users still haven’t adopted basic safety practices, such as enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). Google has emphasized that a large portion of its user base still depends on outdated login methods — and that’s a major concern.
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are the modern solution to password vulnerabilities. Instead of typing in a word or phrase, passkeys use cryptographic security and biometrics (like fingerprints or facial recognition) to log you in. They are:
- Phishing-resistant: Since there’s no password to steal, hackers can’t trick you into giving it up.
- Easier to use: You can sign in with a fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN.
- Stronger security: Unlike passwords, passkeys are tied to your device and can’t be reused across different platforms.
Passkeys are now supported across major platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS — and companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are all integrating them into their systems.
Microsoft’s Urgent Transition Timeline
Microsoft has begun a formal countdown to retire password-related features in its Authenticator app, and the timeline is strict:
- June 2025: You will no longer be able to save new passwords in the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- July 2025: Autofill support for passwords will be removed.
- August 2025: All previously saved passwords will be inaccessible through the Authenticator app.
This is more than just a cleanup of features — it’s a major push for users to embrace passkeys.
Microsoft is encouraging users to either transition their saved passwords to Microsoft Edge or — better yet — to replace those passwords with passkeys. The Edge browser now includes options to sync passwords and addresses securely through your Microsoft account.
Additionally, the Authenticator app will continue supporting passkeys and must remain enabled if you’ve already set up passkeys on your Microsoft account. Turning off the app will also disable your passkeys, cutting off access.
Google’s Warning: Most Users Still Not Protected
Google has echoed Microsoft’s concerns. In its recent announcements, Google revealed that the majority of its users are still relying on passwords and basic 2FA, despite the increasing threats and the company’s efforts to simplify the transition to passkeys.
This slow adoption rate is alarming because cybercriminals are already aware of the shift. Microsoft warns that attackers are intensifying password-related attacks before users completely migrate to passkeys. It’s a race against time — and one that users can’t afford to lose.
Google has already started upgrading millions of accounts to passkey support, and it’s now up to users to take the final step and switch over.
Why Now? The Rising Threat of Cyber Attacks
The pressure to leave passwords behind is fueled by a steep rise in cyberattacks globally. Hackers use tactics like:
- Phishing emails to trick users into entering their credentials
- Data leaks from breached websites, exposing reused passwords
- Credential stuffing, where leaked password databases are used to gain access to multiple accounts
Microsoft has said clearly: “Bad actors know users are slowly moving away from passwords, which is why they’re accelerating password-related attacks while they still can.”
Passkeys, in contrast, don’t rely on something you know (like a password) but on something you have (your device) and something you are (biometrics). This dual factor eliminates most of the traditional attack vectors.
What Should You Do Now?
If you use a Microsoft or Google account — or frankly any digital platform — the time to act is now. Here’s how you can begin your transition away from passwords:
- Enable Passkeys on your Microsoft, Google, and Apple accounts.
- Use a Passkey-Compatible Device, such as a phone or laptop with biometric authentication.
- Update Your Authenticator App, if you’re using Microsoft Authenticator, and back up any passwords you may lose after the phase-out.
- Use Edge or Chrome to store credentials if you’re not ready to fully switch — but aim to move toward passkeys.
- Delete or avoid using weak passwords, and enable passkeys wherever they’re available — especially for sensitive accounts like banking and email.
The Bigger Picture: The Future of Digital Security
This transition to passkeys isn’t just a temporary trend — it’s the future of authentication. Big tech companies agree that passwords have run their course, and the vulnerabilities they present are no longer acceptable in the modern digital landscape.
We’re entering a new phase where your identity becomes your key, and this promises a much safer, faster, and smoother user experience across all devices and services.
Summary
The era of passwords is drawing to a close — and not a moment too soon. Microsoft and Google are both sending a strong message: adapt now or risk being left behind in an increasingly dangerous online environment.
Passkeys are the future — they offer better security, greater ease of use, and fewer points of failure. With deadlines approaching fast, now is the time for individuals and businesses alike to embrace this change.
If you’re still using weak, repeated, or shared passwords, it’s time to evolve. Upgrade your accounts, set up passkeys, and stay ahead of the curve — before the threats catch up with you.