Now Microsoft Will Let You Unlock Your Windows 10 PC With An App
Microsoft introduced the new Windows 10 operating system that will allow users to sign into a device without a password by using facial recognition. This new feature is Windows Hello.
Now Microsoft is internally testing a beta version of the Authenticator app that will allow the user to sign-in into Windows 10 PC in a single tap without entering the password. Unless the user has a Windows 10 PC with fingerprint sensor or Windows Hello camera, then the user need to enter their password every time to unlock the device or sign-in.
According to Microsoft Windows 10, Mobile users will now able to unlock their Windows 10 PC using Microsoft Authenticator, with only a few taps, "after a quick Bluetooth sync". You just need to open the app and tap on a nearby computer. Microsoft has mentioned in the Store description that Microsoft is already working on some new features which will include support for Microsoft account, a sign-in solution for browsers and VPN, MFA approval through notifications, and one-time passcode generation. But there is no information about when this application will be available in the market, but since it’s already in the store, it’s very clear that the inauguration could happen soon.
In the app's listing, we can easily see that there is support for Azure Active Directory and remote NGC and to use it, both the devices have to provide Bluetooth connectivity. In the case of traditional PCs, a Bluetooth dongle could be required, particularly if we are discussing desktops where such hardware is not typically standard equipment.
Microsoft vice president Joe Belfiore said Windows Hello provide improved online security because it “enables the user to authenticate applications, enterprise content, and even certain online experiences without a password being stored on the user device or in a network server at all.”
For facial detection, “Windows Hello uses a combination of special hardware and software to accurately verify it is you, not a picture of you or someone trying to impersonate you,” he wrote.
Microsoft also announced that Windows 10 will support another new security feature, "Passport,” which allows the user to log-in to their participating websites, apps or networks without a password. This will offer a more secure way of allowing users sign in to website or apps. The list of sites and apps that support Passport is rapidly increasing said by Microsoft but they didn't confirm in number.
Belfiore said "Instead of using a shared or shareable secret like a password, Windows 10 helps to securely authenticate to applications, websites and networks on your behalf without sending up a password. Thus, there is no shared password stored on their servers for a hacker to potentially compromise".