Science & Tech

Why computer passwords could soon be a thing of the past

The endless battle to strengthen “weak” passwords may be a thing of the past after Microsoft announced the incorporation of eye-scanning and fingerprint access software for use with online accounts.

Hopeful of strengthening cyber security, the next version of the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) system, which allows devices to use biometric identification, will be incorporated into Windows 10 according to a blog post from Microsoft.

The announcement means users could access online accounts such as Outlook and OneDrive without passwords, something group program manager at Microsoft Dustin Ingalls describes in the blog as "one of the top priorities for us".

FIDO currently has support from companies such as Google, PayPal, and Bank of America.

Fingerprint scanning to access hardware is already part of the mainstream with devices such as iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and a number of laptops using the technology. USB devices also exist for laptops that do not have built-in systems.

The new software is available for evaluation to members of the Windows Insider Program - a platform allowing users to test and contribute feedback to Windows 10 as it develops.

It has been speculated the operating system could be released as soon as April this year, but an official date has not yet been announced by Microsoft.

More: Seven things to know about Microsoft's Windows 10

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