Overview & Technical Summary
Microsoft Authenticator: Top-end 2FA solution
Microsoft Authenticator
is a free
security
app that enables you to easily use
Two-Factor Authentication
(2FA) with just your device. Offered by Microsoft Corporation, this handy app is a recommended tool for logging into your Microsoft account. You can do
quick passwordless sign-ins
for the company’s online services and you can even
use this on non-Microsoft accounts
. This is a great alternative to waiting for one-time password (OTP) codes coming through.
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Quick and painless
To set up, simply log into your account using the app and select either “Personal” or “Work or School”. Then,
authenticate
your sign-in with a code via text, email, or another method. Now when logging in, your account will first give a
random number
and you have to
select the correct one
on your app or deny the sign-in attempt. Afterward, either your
fingerprint, Face ID, or PIN
will be asked and then you’re in.
For non-MS accounts, however, you have to select “Add account” in the app. Select the 2FA option and choose “via Application” on the website you’re trying to log into. Either
scan a QR code
or
manually input a six-digit code
into the app and once done, you can now use Microsoft Authenticator on other accounts. However, the no-passwords feature is
only for Microsoft
so you still have to input your password for these other accounts.
The app also supports
multi-factor authentication
(MFA) with this feature but if you like OTP codes more, this app generates a six-digit code
every 30 seconds
. However, this is a time-based one-time password (TOTP) standard so the app can’t access accounts that use codes generated specifically for you as
banking apps
do. Despite this, Microsoft Authenticator can quickly open MS products and services and is a secure way of signing in.
Backup and restore
Microsoft Authenticator sets itself apart from other authenticator apps with its
robust
backup and restore
capabilities
. This essential feature allows for the effortless migration of your accounts to a new device. It achieves this by securely backing up your account credentials and pertinent app settings to the cloud.
These settings include the order in which your accounts are displayed, ensuring a seamless transition. By utilizing Microsoft Authenticator, you can
swiftly reinstate your information on a new device
. This function is particularly valuable in avoiding the hassles associated with being locked out of accounts or the need to manually recreate them when you switch to a new device, thereby ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted access to your digital accounts.
How Microsoft Authenticator stores your location data?
When it comes to handling your location data, Microsoft Authenticator operates uniquely. The app collects
GPS
information primarily to ascertain the country you are currently in. This process involves sending your country name and location coordinates back to Microsoft's system.
The purpose of this is to determine your eligibility to access certain protected resources based on your geographical location. While the name of the country you are in is retained and can be reported to your IT administrator, Microsoft
prioritizes your privacy by not saving or storing your precise GPS coordinates on its servers
. This approach balances the need for security and functionality with the respect for user privacy and data security.
How do I get the QR code for my Microsoft Authenticator?
Understanding the process of
generating a QR code
for Microsoft Authenticator is straightforward. Here’s an expanded guide to help you set it up:
Start by downloading and installing the Microsoft Authenticator app on your Android device.
Launch the app and proceed with the setup process, which guides you through the initial configuration.
Utilize your device’s camera to
scan the QR code
presented during the setup. This is a crucial step for linking your account to the Authenticator.
Moreover, Microsoft Authenticator allows for the creation of additional QR codes for other accounts. To do this:
Navigate to the ‘Add Account’ section within the app.
Follow the on-screen instructions, and the app will generate a unique QR code for each account you wish to add.
When accessing websites or services compatible with Microsoft Authenticator, you will be prompted to provide both your password and a verification code generated by the app. To find this code:
Open Microsoft Authenticator.
Select the relevant account, and a 6-digit code will be displayed. This code is what you’ll need to input for verification.
It's important to note that
generating a QR code in Microsoft Authenticator doesn't automatically apply two-factor authentication
to all your accounts. Each account needs to be configured individually to use Microsoft Authenticator for enhanced security.
Our take
Our experience with Microsoft Authenticator has been
very positive
. As a two-factor authentication tool, it significantly boosts the security of our online accounts. Its reliability and practicality are commendable.
The
user-friendly interface
of the app simplifies the process of confirming our identity when logging into various online services. This ease of use, combined with robust security features, makes Microsoft Authenticator an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their digital security. In conclusion, Microsoft Authenticator is a good choice, yet…
Still needs polishing
Overall, Microsoft Authenticator is greatly designed for this purpose. It’s close rivals with the likes of
Google Authenticator
and has some features that the other lacks. However, the app can often be prone to glitching out or doesn’t recognize your account when setting up. It also
needs more functionality
in terms of prompts. Nevertheless, this is a recommended app to try out for added security.