Microsoft wants to make it easier for users to log in to your account by skipping the password part during authentication. In a blog post, Microsoft says “we’re shifting the security burden from your memory to your device. Just add your account to the Android or iOS Microsoft Authenticator app, then enter your username as usual when signing in somewhere new. “
Now this works like the Google sign in prompts in that when Google wants you to confirm that it’s you who’s trying to carry out changes on your account, you are sometimes prompted to open the Google app on your pre-registered device to confirm. The basic difference between what Microsoft is offering today from that of Google is that, the password process will be completely eliminated should you choose. This means that you need to initially download the app and follow the instructions and from there on out, you’ll only be prompted to approve logins and that’s it.
These prompts help you guard against unauthorised access to your account but the other news is that you can disable this at any time and switch back to the good old password regime.
Here’s how to get started with the Microsoft Authenticator as provided by Identity division of the software giant;
If you already use the Microsoft Authenticator for your personal account, select the dropdown button on your account tile, and choose Enable phone sign-in.
If you are adding a new account on an Android phone, we’ll automatically prompt you to set it up.
If you are adding a new account on an iPhone, and we’ll automatically set it up for you by default.
Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
