Security is more important than ever, and user accounts must be protected properly against modern threats such as phishing, credential theft, and social engineering. To strengthen identity protection, Microsoft is making passkeys the default authentication method in Microsoft Entra starting September 1, 2026.
As part of this transition, Microsoft will retire its built-in SMS and voice-based multifactor authentication services on February 1, 2027.
See the Microsoft article for more information: Passkeys by default and retirement of Microsoft-provided SMS and voice authentication
Note: Our Teams app, Cloud Hub Pro, helps administrators and security professionals stay informed about upcoming Microsoft changes and security-related announcements.
Passkeys provide a modern, phishing-resistant alternative that offers both stronger security and a simpler user experience. Passkeys are included in all Microsoft Entra plans at no additional cost.
Organizations should start planning their transition now by educating users, enabling passkeys, and reviewing whether telephony-based authentication is still required. Traditional authentication methods will experience authentication disruptions after February 2027.
The future of secure authentication is here.
Start your passkey journey today.