Windows 10 embraces password-killing biometric authentication

Microsoft is about to officially join the fight for authentication without pesky passwords. The company recently announced that Windows 10 will support the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) 2.0 specification. The end result is that instead of using passwords to log in to PCs, Microsoft services, and other third-party accounts, you’ll also be able to use a fingerprint or eye scan—possibly integrated with a key fob for two-factor authentication.

In its blog post announcing FIDO in Windows 10, Microsoft focused largely on features that would interest IT types, such as FIDO support for major enterprise-focused cloud services including Office 365 Exchange Online, Salesforce, Citrix, and Box. But FIDO in Windows 10 will also work with consumer services such as Windows 10 sign-ins, Outlook.com, and OneDrive.

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