Microsoft Authenticator Users Urged to Export Passwords Before Key Date
Users of the Microsoft Authenticator app who rely on its built-in password management features are receiving an important alert. Microsoft is advising individuals to export their saved passwords soon, as changes are coming to the app’s functionality.
The notification specifically highlights a looming July deadline. After this date, access to the password list stored within the app may change or become unavailable through the current method. This shift indicates Microsoft is likely realigning the Authenticator app’s focus more strictly towards multi-factor authentication and identity verification, rather than serving as a full-fledged password manager.
For anyone currently using Microsoft Authenticator to store and autofill website passwords, taking action before the July deadline is crucial. Failing to export your passwords could result in losing access to them, necessitating password resets for all your online accounts.
To ensure you retain your saved credentials, users should navigate to the password management section within the app settings. There should be an option available to export your passwords, typically as a file (often in a CSV format) that can then be imported into another password manager or stored securely.
This proactive step from Microsoft gives users ample time to transition their saved passwords to an alternative solution if they wish to continue using a dedicated password manager. The warning underscores the importance of understanding the tools you use and ensuring you have control over your vital online credentials ahead of significant platform changes. Don’t delay; secure your passwords by exporting them well before the July deadline.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/microsoft-authenticator-now-warns-to-export-passwords-before-july-cutoff/
