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There's a major change coming to Microsoft Edge today that removes the Master Password.
In a press release shared with TechRadar Pro, NordVPN said that as of today (June 4), Edge would be retiring the master password feature. It will be replaced by device-based authentication like Windows Hello, which is more secure than a master password. This comes shortly after Microsoft decided to drop passwords as the default option for new Microsoft accounts.
According to the VP of engineering at NordPass, Ignas Valancius, biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition (along with PINs) are more secure. The VP rightly states that folks who manage too many passwords tend to reuse them or make simple changes like swapping a letter or number (things I'm certainly guilty of).
Naturally, if someone with malicious intent has a hold of one password, they could potentially have access to all of a person's data if said person used the same password everywhere. Moving away from a master password for more secure login methods is more logical.
If you already use Windows Hello, then you can log in with your Windows device's login. This latter authentication method is the best way to go since it doesn't have to send data over the internet.
The NordVPN exec says he expects backlash as some folks are set in their ways when it comes to passwords. For those unhappy about this change, you can still use services like LastPass, which still has a master password.
I use LastPass myself, but I certainly see the benefit of passwordless authentication, such as fingerprint readers or facial recognition. Even if some users grumble about this change, it seems ultimately for the best.
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