Traditionally, one of the most frustrating aspects of logging into multiple accounts each day was trying to keep track of ever-changing passwords. The fact that platforms rarely utilized the same password protocols made remembering these strings of characters tedious, causing many people to choose obvious and less-secure passcodes. But years ago, password managers stepped in to save the day.
Just the Basics: Why Password Managers are Needed
A password manager is crucial if you wish to securely store and manage passwords, generate robust credentials, and protect personal online data. Here are the key reasons to install a password manager:
- Increased Security: Password managers generate unique passwords for each of your accounts, minimizing the likelihood of password reuse. These strong passwords make it more difficult for cybercriminals to access accounts, which is essential as many data breaches are caused by weak or reused passwords.
- Convenience: A password manager requires users to remember only one master password. The manager then autofills login information on websites, reducing effort during the login process. This feature also protects users from keyloggers, which can copy and capture keystrokes.
- Protection Against Phishing: Most reputable password managers will alert users to phishing attempts by flagging fraudulent sites, preventing users form entering information onto malicious sites designed to steal data.
- Safe Storage of Sensitive Data: In addition to storing passwords, password managers can store credit card credentials, addresses, and secure notes – providing more secure online shopping and form filling.
- Monitoring and Notifications: Some password managers will monitor passwords against known data breaches and notify the user if credentials have been compromised. This proactive action gives users the opportunity to immediately secure their accounts.
- Backup and Recovery: A password manager will often provide alternate recovery options if a user forgets their master password. These backup methods ensure the user can regain access without losing account data.
In short, utilizing a password manager simplifies password management and fortifies online security.
Microsoft Authenticator: The End of a Popular Password Manager
In 2015, Microsoft rolled out its Authenticator app (as Azure Authenticator). The free app was designed to help mobile users sign in to all their accounts without using a password, instead deploying a fingerprint, face recognition, or a PIN.
Authenticator has been used in three ways:
- A method of verifying sign-in if the user has forgotten their password.
- A way to sign in every time, utilizing a one-time password code to maximize account security. (Known as two-step verification or multi-factor authentication.)
- A singular method requiring only a tap on the phone to approve sign in. (Known as going password-less.)
However, after a decade of service to mobile users, the functionality of Microsoft’s Authenticator app/password manager being discontinued in three stages in the summer of 2025.
- Beginning in June, users will no longer be able to store new passwords in Authenticator.
- In July, the autofill feature of the app will cease – meaning your passwords will no longer be automatically filled in.
- In August, all saved passwords will disappear from Authenticator, effectively ending the life cycle of the feature permanently.
It’s not all bad news for Authenticator users, however. All saved passwords are synced to the user’s Microsoft account and can be accessed via an alternate method. To access saved passwords beyond August 2025, users will be required to install Edge on their mobile device. Edge also has autofill, so users can shift their password management to that platform.
Note: If a user is not willing to utilize Edge as their password manager, they can export all their passwords and import them into an alternate password manager.
Alliance IT Can Help
If your business is currently utilizing the Authenticator app for your corporate password management, it will be necessary to roll password management over to a new app or platform. If you need assistance in choosing the right product for your company – or would like Alliance IT to manage the transfer for you – call our team of experts today.
