Farewell to 30 years of old technology: NTLM loses its place in Windows

Microsoft is set to retire the three-decade-old NTLM authentication protocol from future Windows versions, a significant move to enhance platform security. This decision marks a crucial step in modernizing Windows' authentication mechanisms, moving away from legacy systems that pose increasing cybersecurity risks. The phasing out of NTLM is expected to improve the overall resilience of Windows against sophisticated cyber threats. The core of this shift involves Microsoft's commitment to adopting more robust and secure authentication methods, such as Kerberos and modern OAuth tokens. While NTLM has been a part of Windows for many years, its inherent vulnerabilities have made it a target for attackers, particularly in enterprise environments. The company aims to ensure that its operating systems align with contemporary security standards, safeguarding user data and system integrity. This transition will primarily impact enterprise IT administrators and organizations that still rely on NTLM for their network authentication infrastructure. They will need to migrate to newer protocols to maintain compatibility and security in their Windows environments. The broader implication is a stronger, more secure digital ecosystem for European businesses and users, contributing to enhanced digital sovereignty by reducing reliance on potentially compromised legacy technologies.