Latest news with #biometric
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
MIcrosoft Will Wipe Out Your Passwords on Aug. 1. What to Do Now
Microsoft is getting rid of passwords in less than two weeks. On Aug. 1, the Microsoft Authenticator app will no longer store or manage passwords, which could be a problem for a lot of users. Microsoft Authenticator has been one of the best password managers for years. You were able to save passwords, enable two-factor authentication and auto-fill. The change means that if you're using the Authenticator app as a password manager, you'll need to look for another option soon. And on Aug. 1, Microsoft will move to passkeys instead. Using a passkey as a login means you'll use PINs, fingerprint scans, facial recognition or pattern using a device's lock screen. It's a safer option compared to the risky password habits that 49% of US adults have, based on a CNET survey. If you've been using Authenticator, now's the time to start making changes. Here's what to know about the switch and the best password managers CNET recommends. When will Microsoft Authenticator stop supporting passwords? Microsoft Authenticator houses your passwords and lets you sign into all your Microsoft accounts using a PIN, facial recognition like Windows Hello, or other biometric data like a fingerprint. Authenticator can be used in other ways, such as verifying you're logging in if you forgot your password, or using two-factor authentication as an extra layer of security for your accounts. In June, the company stopped letting users add passwords to Authenticator. Starting this month, you won't be able to use the autofill password function. And next month, you'll no longer be able to use saved passwords. If you still want to use passwords instead of passkeys, you can store them in Microsoft Edge. However, CNET experts recommend adopting passkeys during this transition. "Passkeys use public key cryptography to authenticate users, rather than relying on users themselves creating their own (often weak or reused) passwords to access their online accounts," Tomaschek said. Why are passkeys a better alternative to passwords? So what exactly is a passkey? It's a credential created by the Fast Identity Online Alliance that uses biometric data or a PIN to verify your identity and access your account. Think about using your fingerprint or Face ID to log into your account. That's generally safer than using a password that is easy to guess or susceptible to a phishing attack. "Passwords can be cracked, whereas passkeys need both the public and the locally stored private key to authenticate users, which can help mitigate risks like falling victim to phishing and brute-force or credential-stuffing attacks," said Attila Tomaschek, CNET's software senior writer and digital security expert. Passkeys aren't stored on servers like passwords. Instead, they're stored only on your personal device. More conveniently, this takes the guesswork out of remembering your passwords and the need for a password manager. How to set up a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator Microsoft said in a May 1 blog post that it will automatically detect the best passkey to set up and make that your default sign-in option. "If you have a password and 'one-time code' set up on your account, we'll prompt you to sign in with your one-time code instead of your password. After you're signed in, you'll be prompted to enroll a passkey. Then the next time you sign in, you'll be prompted to sign in with your passkey," according to the blog post. To set up a new passkey, open your Authenticator app on your phone. Tap on your account and select "Set up a passkey." You'll be prompted to log in with your existing credentials. After you're logged in, you can set up the passkey. Other password manager alternatives Since Microsoft will get rid of all of your passwords in two weeks, you'll need a new place to store your passwords safely. Tomaschek has a few of the best password manager recommendations after testing and reviewing several. The top recommendation is Bitwarden for its transparency. It's open-source and audited annually. From a price perspective, the free plan lets you store infinite passwords across unlimited devices. The free plan also includes features most password managers would charge for, including password sharing and a username and password generator. Bitwarden's upgraded plans have other upgraded features that could be worth the cost, too. Personally, Tomaschek has been using 1Password for a while, and he likes the interface and family plan. Even though it's second on the list, Tomaschek says it's just as good as Bitwarden.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FACIA Reports 100% Accuracy in Deepfake Detection Across Industry Datasets
LONDON, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FACIA, a global leader in facial biometric technology, announced that its deepfake detection system has achieved 100% accuracy on multiple industry datasets, including Meta's Deepfake Detection Challenge Dataset (DFDC). FACIA's proprietary algorithm was tested across more than 100,000 images and videos, reporting an overall detection accuracy of 99.6%. The announcement comes amid growing global concern over synthetic media. In 2023 alone, the number of deepfake videos tripled, with total deepfake content increasing eightfold. These manipulated assets are now widely used in fraud schemes, misinformation campaigns, and non-consensual content creation, prompting regulatory responses worldwide. FACIA's model delivered perfect classification on the DFDC dataset, which includes 2,100 manipulated videos using eight different facial alteration techniques. Additional testing was conducted on FACIA's internal dataset of 3,430 AI-generated images created using tools like Midjourney, Artbreeder, and achieving 89.01% accuracy. Further tests on four leading open-source deepfake datasets contributed to the model's combined detection accuracy of 99.6%. FACIA highlighted the system's performance across varying conditions, noting its relevance to sectors like finance, defense, and immigration. 'This isn't just about setting a benchmark,' said Daniyal Assad Chughtai, CTO at FACIA. 'The rate at which deepfakes are spreading makes real-time, scalable detection infrastructure a critical need for social platforms, financial services, and public agencies.' FACIA's system differs from many current solutions by moving beyond frame-by-frame analysis and passive liveness detection. Instead, it uses a multi-layered detection pipeline specifically built to counter modern deepfake threats. The company also maintains low false acceptance and rejection rates, essential for high-assurance identity applications. Looking ahead, FACIA plans to expand its detection capabilities with multilingual spoof detection, broader dataset training, and enhanced API support for integration into third-party platforms. The announcement arrives as major platforms like Meta, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) face mounting scrutiny over synthetic media and misinformation. FACIA is currently offering live demonstrations of its technology to partners and customers in deepfake-vulnerable sectors. About FACIA Facia provides deepfake prevention and detection solutions across 190+ countries. Its offerings include 3D liveness detection, age estimation, and iris recognition, built with some of the market's fastest, most accurate algorithms. Media Contact Ans AbbasMarketing Lead | Faciaans@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
Microsoft Will Erase Your Passwords on Aug.1: Do This ASAP
As of Aug. 1, Microsoft will be deleting passwords from its Authenticator app. This means that passwords stored there will no longer be accessible, which could be a problem for a lot of users. Microsoft Authenticator has been one of the best password managers for years, offering options for saved passwords, two-factor authentication and auto-fill. However in just a few short days, all of that is going away as Microsoft moves to passkeys instead. This means that logins will move from remembering specific passwords, to using PINs, fingerprint scans, facial recognition or pattern using a device's lock screen. Using a passkey can make your account safer, and it's a move I'm excited about. I recently uncovered that 49% of US adults have risky password habits that can open the door to scammers getting access to your sensitive data. If you're a fan of Authenticator and not sure where to start before the switch, here are other password managers CNET recommends and steps you should take before August. When will Microsoft Authenticator stop supporting passwords? Microsoft Authenticator houses your passwords and lets you sign into all your Microsoft accounts using a PIN, facial recognition like Windows Hello, or other biometric data like a fingerprint. Authenticator can be used in other ways, such as verifying you're logging in if you forgot your password, or using two-factor authentication as an extra layer of security for your accounts. In June, the company stopped letting users add passwords to Authenticator. Starting this month, you won't be able to use the autofill password function. And next month, you'll no longer be able to use saved passwords. If you still want to use passwords instead of passkeys, you can store them in Microsoft Edge. However, CNET experts recommend adopting passkeys during this transition. "Passkeys use public key cryptography to authenticate users, rather than relying on users themselves creating their own (often weak or reused) passwords to access their online accounts," Tomaschek said. Why are passkeys a better alternative to passwords? So what exactly is a passkey? It's a credential created by the Fast Identity Online Alliance that uses biometric data or a PIN to verify your identity and access your account. Think about using your fingerprint or Face ID to log into your account. That's generally safer than using a password that is easy to guess or susceptible to a phishing attack. "Passwords can be cracked, whereas passkeys need both the public and the locally stored private key to authenticate users, which can help mitigate risks like falling victim to phishing and brute-force or credential-stuffing attacks," said Attila Tomaschek, CNET's software senior writer and digital security expert. Passkeys aren't stored on servers like passwords. Instead, they're stored only on your personal device. More conveniently, this takes the guesswork out of remembering your passwords and the need for a password manager. How to set up a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator Microsoft said in a May 1 blog post that it will automatically detect the best passkey to set up and make that your default sign-in option. "If you have a password and 'one-time code' set up on your account, we'll prompt you to sign in with your one-time code instead of your password. After you're signed in, you'll be prompted to enroll a passkey. Then the next time you sign in, you'll be prompted to sign in with your passkey," according to the blog post. To set up a new passkey, open your Authenticator app on your phone. Tap on your account and select "Set up a passkey." You'll be prompted to log in with your existing credentials. After you're logged in, you can set up the passkey. Other password manager alternatives Since Microsoft will get rid of all of your passwords in two weeks, you'll need a new place to store your passwords safely. Tomaschek has a few of the best password manager recommendations after testing and reviewing several. The top recommendation is Bitwarden for its transparency. It's open-source and audited annually. From a price perspective, the free plan lets you store infinite passwords across unlimited devices. The free plan also includes features most password managers would charge for, including password sharing and a username and password generator. Bitwarden's upgraded plans have other upgraded features that could be worth the cost, too. Personally, Tomaschek has been using 1Password for a while, and he likes the interface and family plan. Even though it's second on the list, Tomaschek says it's just as good as Bitwarden.
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Govt may introduce law to make MyDigital ID mandatory, says minister
Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the MyDigital ID system uses biometric and cryptographic technologies to ensure security and prevent data breaches. KUALA LUMPUR : The government is considering introducing a law to regulate and boost the MyDigital ID system to tackle the scepticism surrounding the initiative, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the current voluntary registration model for the digital ID system was a limitation that the government was looking to address. 'Right now the government is looking at the possibility of formulating an Act for MyDigital ID, to potentially make it mandatory for people to sign up,' she said. Zaliha was responding to a supplementary question from Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), who had raised concerns about public confidence in the initiative. Kiandee cited the recent disruption of the autogate system at the Johor customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex, which he said was linked to integration issues, as an example of what could erode public trust. 'Three days ago, we were informed about a disruption to the autogate system at the Johor CIQ, which was said to have been caused by the integration system. 'Actually, this is a concern for Malaysians and the public regarding the initiative. There are concerns about privacy and security, the reliability of digital infrastructure and the implementing agencies, and the potential for misuse,' he said. Kiandee also noted that only 2.8 million Malaysians had registered for MyDigital ID as of the second quarter of 2025 – less than the number of those who had signed up for other government initiatives like PADU and Budi. MyDigital ID is a national digital identification initiative developed in 2016, aimed at providing a secure and authenticated method for verifying identities online. The system is intended for use across both public and private sectors to verify user identities during online transactions. Zaliha said the government did not store users' personal data, and that the MyDigital ID system used biometric and cryptographic technologies to ensure security and prevent data breaches. She also said the government was working with stakeholders to boost adoption of the platform. 'We are encouraging cooperation with all parties, including the private sector,' she said. Earlier, Zaliha said that the number of government and non-government systems integrated with MyDigital ID had nearly doubled to 82 since March. She said the platform would continue expanding its use across both public and private sectors, including the financial industry where six banks have completed sandbox testing under Bank Negara Malaysia.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
IDEX Biometrics ASA – Business Update
IDEX is executing well on the strategy announced in March 2025 and outlined in the Company's presentation held on 21 May 2025- The Company's strategy is to become the world's leading biometric ID company, with a world class product portfolio in both ID & Access and Pay. IDEX has set out clear priorities, a disciplined capital allocation, and a sharp focus on building long-term value. IDEX has delivered multiple test cards as part of signing letters of intent with customers and partners; the purpose of which being to enter into distribution and purchase agreements subject to successful trials of these test cards. Testing is currently taking place. The Company believes that these sample cards will demonstrate the advantages that IDEX technology has over competitors in the field. The feedback to date is positive and IDEX expects to have further news shortly. Meanwhile, IDEX remains focused on cutting costs and accelerate time to market with its new product portfolio, both within ID & Access and Pay. Further software supporting security is underway and a further improved product line is expected to launch in Q3 2025. Having experienced a disappointing and prolonged time to market within Pay, IDEX is pleased to announce that momentum appears to have picked up somewhat: On 5 July 2025, IDEX launched together with Mastercard and EBL the world´s first biometric metal card in Bangladesh. The business activity post launch has been very positive, and IDEX expects further launches to happen in H2 2025. In July 2025, the Company executed a share issue towards employees and board members, further strengthening the commitment to IDEX success. IDEX Biometrics' reports and presentations are available on our website: For further information, please contact: Anders Storbråten, CEO and CFO, Tel: +47 416 38 582 E-mail: ir@ About IDEX Biometrics: IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market. For more information, visit About this notice: This notice was issued by Kjell-Arne Besseberg, COO, on 21 July 2025 at 07:30 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12.
