Qualcomm has announced at MWC 2015 in Barcelona that it's adding a new security technology to its portfolio that would allow fingerprint scanners to work with a variety of processors, including the new Snapdragon 810 and Snapdragon 425, as well as the existing Snapdragon 400 series, 600 series, and 800 series processors.

As a result, Microsoft's Windows Phone devices, which are powered by Snapdragon CPUs, could receive fingerprint scanning support in Windows 10, as the Redmond-based tech giant has already implemented technologies in its operating system that would make the password a thing of the past.

Basically, Qualcomm's new technology would allow Windows Phone users to lock their devices but also a number of services such a payment solutions, with fingerprint protection, which is undoubtedly more secure than the traditional password.

Qualcomm says that, with its new Snapdragon Sense ID 3D Fingerprint option, devices made of glass, aluminum, stainless steel, sapphire and plastics would all be able to implement this enhanced security feature that's already available on Windows Phone rival platforms, including iOS and Android.

“The user experience is also improved by being able to scan through various contaminants that might be present on the finger, such as sweat, hand lotion and condensation, providing a more consistent and accurate method of authentication,” Qualcomm explains.

Microsoft has already adopted FIDO 2.0

Microsoft has recently announced the adoption of FIDO 2.0, a new standard that would make biometrics an important feature of future products, including the Windows operating system.

With FIDO, which is also supported by other big companies such as Google and PayPal, Microsoft aims to replace passwords in Windows and thus enhance the security of its products.

Basically, FIDO 2.0 would also open the door for third-party devices that would allow secure authentication in Windows and adjacent services, so expect Windows Phone devices to benefit from the same improvements when the new OS becomes available.

Obviously, upcoming flagships are expected to be the first to boast such technology, but it remains to be seen if Microsoft can also offer it on a wider range of devices.