Password Manager LastPass is launching a new “password-free” method for accessing your desktop vault today.
Previously, users had to type in their master password to unlock the company desktop (and its saved passwords). Now they will be able to authenticate access through the company’s mobile app. This will include the ability to use your phone’s biometric login features, such as unlocking a face and fingerprint.
LastPass characterizes this as a “passwordless” login, but it’s important to note that your master password won’t go anywhere soon. LastPass chief security officer Chris Hoff says master passwords will still be required to register a LastPass account, add new trusted devices, make changes to an account, or type in if a passwordless login attempt fails. But the hope is that this new verification method may be the first step in completely removing the master password, as the industry moves toward passwordless authentication using standards such as. FIDO.
“LastPass is happy to be the first solution and just a password manager to allow users to securely and effortlessly log in, manage their account credentials and gain instant access to the accounts used every day – without ever having to enter a password,” said Hoff of LastPass. .
Today’s announcement is aimed at desktop users of LastPass, who are currently not offered any biometric login options as an alternative to typing their master password. Meanwhile, on a mobile phone, the company’s apps already offer biometric login options including fingerprint and face unlock.
The changes come just over a year after LastPass made significant changes to its pricing structure, which severely limited the usability of its free level. Last March, it restricted free users from being able to access their passwords via mobile phone. or desktop – not both. The company behind the service also underwent changes after the previous owner GoTo (then known as LogMeIn) announced plans to turn LastPass into an independent company late last year.
LastPass’s new password-free feature is up and running today and will be available to all users, regardless of whether they are on the free or paid level.
Updated June 6, 10:18 AM ET: Updated to confirm that a password-free login will be available to users of the free service level, and that the application can be protected by biometric security.