Microsoft Authenticator

In today’s rapidly connected world, one thing that haunts everyone is online security. In the face of modern computer attacks, passwords are no longer enough to protect your valuable information from being stolen. With online accounts being a necessary tool, securing them with multi-factor authentication (MFA) has never been more important. Microsoft Authenticator as an MFA option, out of the box, is another great way to improve security and reduce dependencies on clunky old-school methods.

What is Microsoft Authenticator?

The Microsoft Authenticator mobile app brings two critical security measures together: multi-factor authentication and a password manager. This will allow you to enhance your overall account security for your accounts as well – including Google, Facebook, Dropbox. In other words, any online services that support new standards being provided by many websites such as LinkedIn (which had this capability for a long time) or WordPress — all primarily designed with work/school-use-cases/content-applied scenarios. In addition to using a password, the iOS and Android app adds an extra layer of security for booting up.

Microsoft Authenticator has two key features

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA requires users to accept login attempts originating from within the app, or input a one-time code that is generated by it.
• Password-less Sign-In: This lets users log in with their phone number, not a password. Another MFA feature of Microsoft Authenticator is the Password-less Question.

How Does Microsoft Authenticator Work?

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) validates the identity of a user by requiring two or more independent identifiers. We can categorize these components into three different groups:

• Something you know: your password
• Something you possess: It can be a physical device (i.e., your phone)
• Anything you are: This is your biometric data (such as fingerprints or facial recognition)

Typically, with Microsoft Authenticator you need something (your phone + app) and knowledge of the password. It functions as follows:

• A push notification is sent to your Microsoft Authenticator app on sign-in and password entry.
• Approve: From your smartphone click on the sign-in request to approve
• Alternatively, the application may output a one-time code) that must be entered to complete the login process.

2. Password-less Sign-In

Another feature of Microsoft Authenticator is password-less sign-in. This method removes the weakest link in many existing systems: passwords. Here is how to sign in without a password:

• Instead of entering a password when signing in to your Microsoft account, you will be asked for permission to use the Microsoft Authenticator app.
• An app push notification asks you to click enable the login attempt
• After the approval of your account, you no longer need to enter a password to access your account.

This is easier and safer. It protects against all password-based problems such as lost or stolen passwords, and phishing attacks.

3. Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP)

Microsoft Authenticator creates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) that can be used for services that do not have push notifications. The app provides a unique, 6-digit passcode every 30 seconds. This can be used as a second authentication factor, in addition to the regular password. In doing so, this method provides an additional level of security in case a password is stolen; the attacker would still need the TOTP supplied from that special generator on their phone.

Why Microsoft Authenticator is Important for Security

1. Minimization of Password-Based Attacks: The security is generally the weakest for passwords, since they are easy to guess, steal, and get phished using social engineering. Even with the strongest, most convoluted passphrases, cracks can appear. With Microsoft Authenticator, even if an attacker gets your password, they still need to have the one-time code from your phone. So the bad actor will fail every time because he or she cannot access your account.
2. Prevent Phishing attacks: Most of the time, hackers use phishing to gain credentials. Users may be tricked into entering their passwords on phony websites that look identical to official ones. Just a password, though, won’t be enough to get you in with Microsoft Authenticator. Since they are unable to meet the strict two-factor authentication requirements, a hacker cannot utilize your password. This protects your account from being used maliciously, making phishing attempts
3. Missing passwords: Microsoft Authenticator makes passwords obsolete and allows for implementation of password-less sign-in options, which are always better than a traditional password, which may be stolen or forgotten. Beyond the enhanced usability, one other major advantage of password-less-based logins is that they mitigate a lot of friction of customary password systems. Another advantage of this strategy is that by using it, you can proactively protect against password database breaches and brute force attacks.
4. Can be used Cross-Platform and Synced Between Accounts: You can use Microsoft Authenticator outside your Windows account, since it works with tons of other MFA-supporting platforms and services. That enables you to support your MFA setup and increase the security of all accounts in one application, even if it is from social media, Google, or any other online service.
5. User Friendly: With its ease of use, Microsoft Authenticator is very compliant. Once the app is configured, users can approve logins with a tap. The elegant interface of This Simple to follow and use the product makes MFA implementation extremely simple. Experienced professionals from eMazzanti can help you with Authenticator and other apps that will enhance your organization’s security and efficiency.