This week Microsoft announced its support for biometric security and go password-free for some Windows 10 apps and services.
As processors are becoming cheaper passwords are becoming less secure and manufacturers are looking for more effective and secure ways to authenticate. As some smartphone manufacturers have demonstrated, users are ready to adopt this technology. Microsoft is looking to remove the use of passwords and introduce other forms of user authentication such as biometric scans for its upcoming release of Windows 10.
Microsoft is to add support for the Fast Identity Online (Fido) standard, so Windows 10 will be able to support third-party applications which enable password-free sign-on for a number of applications.
This means that you could in the future log on to your Windows account and view emails and documents simply by using a fingerprint or retina scan.
The current Technical Preview build of Windows 10 is already integrated with the FIDO 2.0 specification.The operating system also supports cloud-based solutions including Office 365 Exchange Online, Salesforce, Citrix, Box and Concur.
The move comes at a good time for supporters of biometric security, especially following recent findings that show British consumers are increasingly likely to support and use biometrics in their technology.
A study conducted by Visa Europe found that three-quarters of 16-24-year-olds in the UK would feel comfortable using information such as fingerprint scans, facial recognition or retina scanning in place of traditional passwords.
