Published: March 28, 2025 ✍️ Author: Global World Citizen Tech Desk 🌐 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com
In a decisive move signaling the end of an era, Microsoft has officially announced that it is eliminating traditional passwords across its platforms—impacting over 1 billion global users. The tech giant is urging all users to transition to passkeys, a more secure and efficient way to access digital accounts.
“The password era is ending,” Microsoft declared in a recent update. “And bad actors know it—which is why they are accelerating password-based attacks while they still can.”
Why the Change?
According to Microsoft, passwords have become a major security liability. With over 7,000 password-related attacks being blocked every second, and increasing threats from AI-powered phishing and hacking techniques, the need for a more robust authentication method has become urgent.
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys eliminate the need for both passwords and traditional two-factor authentication (2FA). Instead, access is granted through biometric verification such as a fingerprint or facial recognition—linked directly to a trusted device like your smartphone or computer.
Because passkeys are stored and encrypted within your hardware, they cannot be phished, leaked, or stolen, offering a phishing-resistant login solution that is three times faster than traditional password entry.
A Global Rollout
By April 2025, Microsoft says most users will begin seeing a new passwordless login interface across all web and mobile applications. This includes:
Seamless sign-ups using just an email and one-time verification code
Automatic generation of passkeys tied to your device
Default passkey login experience moving forward
“Millions of users have already deleted their passwords,” Microsoft reports. “We are now optimizing all user experiences around passwordless access.”
Why Password Deletion Is Critical
Microsoft emphasizes that keeping a password on your account—even as a backup—leaves you vulnerable. If a user has both a passkey and password, the account can still be compromised through phishing attacks.
Their goal is bold and clear:
“We want accounts that only support phishing-resistant credentials. This is essential in the fight against modern cybercrime.”
What This Means for Global Citizens
At GlobalWorldCitizen.com, we recognize that digital security is a universal right in the modern world. As the global economy, communication, finance, and identity systems shift further online, the elimination of passwords marks a monumental step toward a safer internet for all.
However, we also echo Microsoft’s call for unified action. Other major tech platforms—like Google, Apple, and Facebook—must follow suit and align their security strategies to adopt universal passkey standards. Half-measures like keeping passwords as “backup” access points simply keep the door open to hackers and bad actors.
What You Should Do Next:
Begin transitioning your Microsoft accounts to passkeys only Delete your old passwords once your passkey is active Enable biometric login across your devices Spread the word to friends, coworkers, and family Advocate for other platforms to go fully passwordless
Learn More & Stay Secure
Visit GlobalWorldCitizen.com for ongoing updates on cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, and the future of global identity and authentication.
Tags & Hashtags:
#CyberSecurity #DigitalIdentity 
#MicrosoftUpdate 
#GlobalTechNews #Passkeys #PhishingPrevention #PasswordlessFuture #AIandSecurity #GlobalWorldCitizen