The slow decline of the traditional password is accelerating as major technology firms push biometric authentication and device-based access keys to counter growing cybersecurity threats. Microsoft declared in a July blog post, co-authored by two senior executives, that “the password era is ending,” signaling a broader industry shift toward alternatives like facial recognition, fingerprint scans, and one-time codes. Since May, the company has automatically enabled these methods for new user accounts, part of a years-long effort to phase out vulnerable text-based passwords.
Cybersecurity experts warn that conventional passwords—often reused across platforms and easily guessed or stolen—remain a glaring weak point in digital security. Benoit Grunemwald of cybersecurity firm Eset noted that attackers can crack an eight-character password in minutes, while vast leaks of credentials, such as a 16-billion-record database uncovered by Cybernews researchers in June, highlight systemic failures in how companies store sensitive data. “Passwords are often improperly safeguarded by the very entities tasked with protecting them,” Grunemwald emphasized.
Tech giants under the Fast Identity Online Alliance (FIDO)—including Google, Apple, Amazon, and TikTok—are championing “access keys” as a solution. These keys replace passwords with physical device authentication, using a smartphone, PIN, or biometric data to verify logins. Proponents argue this method reduces phishing risks, as passkeys cannot be easily tricked into fraudulent sites. Troy Hunt, creator of the breach-tracking platform Have I Been Pwned, explained, “With passkeys, you don’t accidentally hand over credentials to a fake login page mimicking your bank or employer.”
Yet the transition faces hurdles. Hunt pointed out that similar predictions of passwords’ demise a decade ago failed to materialize, with reliance on text-based logins now higher than ever. Many smaller websites still depend on usernames and passwords, and users find new systems intimidating. Setting up passkeys requires pre-configuring trusted devices, while recovering access after losing a phone or forgetting a PIN is more complex than a standard password reset.
“Passwords persist because they’re universally understood,” Hunt acknowledged. Despite advancements, experts stress that human behavior remains critical. Grunemwald warned that as smartphones become central to authentication, users must prioritize securing these devices against theft or hacking. The push for stronger security, while urgent, hinges on balancing innovation with user adaptability in an increasingly targeted digital landscape.
