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Microsoft to Make Passkeys Default Authentication in Entra ID Starting September 2026

Microsoft will transition Entra ID users to passkeys as the standard authentication method beginning September 1, 2026. The change aims to eliminate reliance on phishing-prone SMS and voice call codes. Existing SMS and voice users will be prompted to register passkeys during their next multifactor authentication. Passkeys rely on public-key cryptography and avoid shared secrets, blocking phishing, interception, credential reuse, and SIM swapping attacks. Support includes synced passkeys via iCloud Keychain and Google Password Manager, plus device-bound options like Microsoft Authenticator, Windows, and FIDO2 hardware keys. Native SMS and voice services will be fully retired on February 1, 2027, forcing affected tenants to adopt passkeys with no opt-out option.

BoletimSecTranslated from Portuguese

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Microsoft will make passkeys the default authentication method in Entra ID starting September 1, 2026. The move is designed to reduce dependence on phishing-vulnerable methods such as SMS codes and voice calls.

Users currently enabled for SMS or voice authentication will be automatically enrolled for passkey support. During their next multifactor authentication attempt, they will receive a prompt to register the new credential.

Passkeys use public-key cryptography and do not rely on shared secrets. This approach prevents phishing attacks, code interception, credential reuse, and techniques such as SIM swapping.

Supported Passkey Options

The Entra ID service supports both synced and device-bound passkeys. Synced credentials can be managed through iCloud Keychain and Google Password Manager. Device-bound options include Microsoft Authenticator, Windows Hello, and physical FIDO2 security keys.

Microsoft will simultaneously retire its native SMS and voice authentication service. This capability will cease to exist in Entra ID on February 1, 2027. After that date, tenants relying solely on SMS or voice for MFA must register a passkey to continue logging in. The requirement will be enforced without any deactivation option.

Microsoft Entra IDFIDO2Microsoft AuthenticatoriCloud KeychainGoogle Password Manager
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