Microsoft keeps releasing new products and applications for providing better services to users, and this time, it has released an app that helps users to sign-in to their accounts with the use of two-factor verification method. Microsoft Authenticator is a multi-factor mobile app that generates time-based codes for users while logging to their Account using the two-step verification process.

Individuals who are unaware of Two-factor verification – let us tell you that it is a log-in verification technique that allows you to access your accounts more firmly, especially when you’re examining critical information. As most of you know that account passwords are nowhere safe, they can be compromised or forgotten. But with two-step verification, you get additional security that helps you protect your account from hackers or users who want to break-in.

Microsoft Authenticator App is capable of working with any account that uses two-factor verification or support time-based one-time password (TOTP) standards. Also, you can use the Authenticator app in multiple ways, such as:

• For signing into your account without entering the password, using only username, with fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN
• Responding to a prompt for authentication after signing-in with your username and password
• As a code generator for other accounts that support authenticator apps

Note: While using mobile authenticator, one-tap push notification and 6-digit SMS code authentication options don’t work.

After knowing these functionalities of the authenticator app, you might want to know how this app is integrated with two-factor verification method and who gives you access to use this feature in your organisation. So, let’s get a better insight into these topics.

How Two-Factor Verification is Integrated with the Authenticator App?

The two-factor verification method can work with the authenticator app in the following ways:

• Notification

When you sign-in to your work, school, or personal Microsoft account with your device, the authenticator app sends a notification to your device to confirm and approve the sign-in. If you recognise the sign-in attempt, then click Approve, and if you don’t recognise the sign-in, then click Deny. While selecting Deny, you can mark the sign-in request as fraudulent.

• Verification Code

While logging in to your Microsoft account with username and password, you receive a verification code. Copy the code from the Accounts screen of the Microsoft Authenticator app to sign-in to your account. This verification is also known as one-time password authentication.

• Password-less Sign-in

In this method, you are asked to use your mobile device to verify that you’re signing into your Microsoft account by using your fingerprint, face, or PIN. With this method, you don’t have to enter your password for signing into your account.

Who Decides Whether You Can Use this App or not?

Using the Microsoft Authenticator app completely depends on your account type. For instance, if you’re working with an organisation, then the Microsoft admin might decide that you must use this verification, or you can decide for yourself. However, it depends on the account types mentioned below.

• School or Work Account

If you have a school or work account, then it’s up to your organisation to decide whether you should use two-factor verification or not, along with the specific verification methods. To know how you can add your work or school account to the Microsoft Authenticator app, click here.

• Personal Microsoft Account

If you have a personal Microsoft account, then you can easily set up two-factor verification method for your account without any additional permission. To know more about how to add two-factor verification for personal Microsoft account, click here.

• Non-Microsoft Account

Even if you don’t have a Microsoft account, you can still set up two-factor verification for your accounts. As mentioned above, the Microsoft Authenticator app works with any account that supports the TOTP standards, so you might find the feature in the Security or the Sign-in settings of your account. To know more about how to set up two-factor verification for non-Microsoft accounts, click here.

Apart from the above accounts, you can also use the Microsoft Authenticator app with Office 365 to provide better security for your account. However, configuring authenticator app with Office 365 is a bit complicated, you can check the entire process here.

Wrap Up

Microsoft Authenticator app can be very helpful in securing your accounts, especially Office 365 account as it stores the most crucial data. However, if you haven’t moved your data to cloud or Microsoft’s Office 365, then you’re risking the security of your data. Thus, we recommend you migrate to Office 365 with our effective migration solutions.

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