Latest news with #twofactorauthentication
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Warning issued for Microsoft users
Users of Microsoft Authenticator have been warned to save all their passwords before the company plans to phase out its password management system starting next month. Microsoft Authenticator, known for providing two-factor authentication for online accounts, also stores and autofills passwords for apps and websites. However, starting June 1, the app will stop saving new passwords as Microsoft shifts password management to its Edge browser. By July 1, the autofill function in Authenticator will be disabled, and any saved payment information, including credit card details, will be deleted. Microsoft has noted that this payment data will not automatically transfer to Edge, so users will need to re-enter their card details manually. By August, all previously saved passwords will be removed from the Authenticator app entirely. The company says that anyone who wants to keep using their passwords and log-ins after August must download Microsoft Edge onto their phone and other devices. The move is aimed at streamlining password access and autofill across all platforms using Edge's integrated password manager.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Users to act now or lose all their passwords forever in system switch
Users of Microsoft Authenticator have been warned to save all their passwords before the company plans to phase out its password management system starting next month. Microsoft Authenticator, known for providing two-factor authentication for online accounts, also stores and autofills passwords for apps and websites. However, starting June 1, the app will stop saving new passwords as Microsoft shifts password management to its Edge browser. By July 1, the autofill function in Authenticator will be disabled, and any saved payment information, including credit card details, will be deleted. Microsoft has noted that this payment data will not automatically transfer to Edge, so users will need to re-enter their card details manually. By August, all previously saved passwords will be removed from the Authenticator app entirely. The company says that anyone who wants to keep using their passwords and log-ins after August must download Microsoft Edge onto their phone and other devices. The move is aimed at streamlining password access and autofill across all platforms using Edge's integrated password manager.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
What the Tech: Perfect passwords
How fast can your password be hacked? For many, it's a matter of seconds. While password managers and two-factor authentication are valuable tools, there's a simple, yet incredibly effective way to create strong passwords that are both secure and memorable. Forget paying for extra apps or services. I've discovered a clever technique to generate unique, robust passwords for every single account you have, using something you already love: your favorite music. Creating a genuinely strong password can seem daunting. Cybersecurity experts recommend at least 14 characters, a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and a unique password for each account. But how do you manage all that without getting overwhelmed or resorting to weak, easily guessable passwords? Here's the trick: start with the titles of two of your favorite songs. Let's say you're a fan of Bruce Springsteen and choose 'Racing in the Streets' and 'Darkness on the Edge of Town.' Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the titles. This gives you 'DOTEOTRITS.' Next, add a symbol somewhere within this sequence and change the function words (like 'on,' 'in,' 'the') to lowercase. Now, let's incorporate numbers by substituting the letter 'O's' with zeros. This modified string is already a strong password, but we're going to make it even better. To make this password unique to each account, add the first letter of the account name to the beginning and the last letter to the end. For Facebook, it would become 'FDOTE0n the EdgE0f Racing in The StreetS.' For Google, it would be 'GE.' For LinkedIn, it's 'LN.' You can apply this same method to your bank account, email, or any other online service. The beauty of this method is its simplicity and memorability. All you need to recall are the two song titles. After a short while, you won't even have to think about it; the pattern will become ingrained. This type of password can take a standard computer 31 years to crack. Adding just one number to the beginning could extend that cracking time to centuries! You can bypass the expense of a password manager and easily remember your passwords even if you haven't accessed an account in years. It's a simple yet powerful way to enhance your online security. Want to test the strength of your current passwords? Visit to see how they fare against common hacking methods. Take control of your security today with this easy and effective password strategy! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
