Microsoft Announces Optional Two-Factor Authentication

11 years ago
April 17, 2013
3 replies
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YegorP
Retired Webrooter
448 replies

Last week, there were rumors that Microsoft would follow in the footsteps of Google, Apple, and Facebook by offering two-factor authentication for Microsoft Accounts-the timetable was 'soon'. Well, according to a follow-up report by ARS Technica from earlier today, that rumor is now a reality.

"The scheme will become available to all users "in the next few days...It works essentially identically to existing schemes already available for Google accounts. Two-factor authentication augments a password with a one-time code that's delivered either by a text message or generated in an authentication app."

Users will be able to skip the two factors on computers they trust and will be able to generate app-specific passwords to work with software that doesn't support the two-factor method.

(Source: PC World)

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RetiredTripleHelix
Gold VIP
13734 replies
11 years ago
April 17, 2013

Microsoft Account Gets More Secure

17 Apr 2013 9:00 AM Over the next couple days we will roll out a major upgrade to Microsoft account, including optional two-step verification to help keep your account more secure.
Microsoft has increasingly focused on delivering connected devices and services that are currently used by more than 700 million people around the world. A Microsoft account is the key that unlocks your experience across these products—from your Windows PC to your Windows Phone, from Xbox to Outlook.com, from SkyDrive and Skype to Office and much more.
Given this critical role for Microsoft account, we remain vigilant in working hard to protect your account, which is why we’re adding an option so you can enable two-step verification to further protect yourself. You should see this option show up in your account in the next few days. You can enable this capability at https://account.live.com/proofs/Manage.

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