Microsoft Authenticator is an app that enables two-factor authentication on supported apps and sites. Defeating two-factor authentication (2FA) is much more difficult than simply adding a password to your account. Therefore, many cybersecurity companies recommend setting up 2FA for all the services you use.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a mechanism by which services ask users to verify their identity using two different methods. For example, apps that support two-factor authentication (2FA) may want to provide a one-time passcode (OTP) in addition to your account password.
Setting up two-factor verification with Microsoft Authenticator is very easy. lets take alook.
Download and install Microsoft Authenticator
To start the process, download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app from your phone’s app store. While downloading the app, make sure you have a Microsoft account, because you need one to use the Microsoft Authenticator.
Signing up for a Microsoft account only takes a few minutes, so if you don’t have one, create one now at Microsoft website.
After you install Microsoft Authenticator, open it and sign in with your Microsoft account. While signed in, the app will ask you to verify your identity using the secondary methods you set up while creating your Microsoft account. Choose the method you set and follow the instructions. For example, if you are using a phone number as a secondary method, tap on it and enter the verification code sent to your number.
Microsoft Authenticator will now be active.
One last thing to note before going into the app: you will have to log into your account every time you want to change any security settings. With Microsoft Authenticator turned on, you’ll receive a notification on your phone that you must unlock and enter your phone’s lock screen passcode.
download: Microsoft Authenticator for Android | iOS (free)
Use Microsoft Authenticator to set up 2FA on your Microsoft account
To set up two-factor authentication on your Microsoft account, go to Microsoft account site and login.
After that, go to Settings>Advanced Security Options>Additional Security Turn on two-step verification.
Before you can turn on two-step verification, you need to make sure your account security information is up to date. Follow the onscreen instructions to make sure all is well. Journalism the following When you are ready.
Note the recovery code that appears on the screen and write it somewhere and press the following repeatedly.
Finally, set up other apps by following the on-screen instructions. If you are using Outlook on an Android phone, tap Next again. Otherwise, follow the onscreen instructions to create a passcode for apps that don’t support two-factor authentication. Then, again, hit Next.
After completing the settings, press finish.
Now you’ll need to sign in again, so do that.
If you don’t want to enable two-step authentication, you can enable the No password option for your Microsoft account. The option uses the Microsoft Authenticator app to sign in. After running this, you don’t need to remember the password and you can log in with just your phone.
Two-factor authentication is more secure…but it’s not foolproof
With the number of security breaches and ransomware attacks rising to an all-time high, login methods like two-factor authentication are essential to protecting your online identity. These methods provide an extra layer of security on top of your password.
However, two-factor authentication is not guaranteed. For example, sophisticated phishing scams can trick you into revealing two-factor credentials.
To combat this, you must follow the best practices to enhance your online security. For example, set strong passwords, don’t use the same password for all your accounts, and don’t visit suspicious websites, among other things.
read the following
About the author
