Microsoft starts rolling out two-step verification for accounts

Advertisement
By Associated Press | Updated: 18 April 2013 09:54 IST
Microsoft starts rolling out two-step verification for accounts
Microsoft is offering enhanced security for its email, storage and other services.

People who turn on the new feature will be asked not just for a username and password, but also a second piece of information, such as a temporary code sent as a text message to a phone on file. Google Inc. and Facebook Inc. already allow two-step verification as an option.

The security enhancements work with all Microsoft accounts, such as email addresses ending in Hotmail.com, MSN.com and Outlook.com. Those accounts unlock a range of Microsoft Corp. products, including email, Skype, SkyDrive storage, Xbox gaming, Office software subscriptions and Windows 8 machines.

Microsoft has no plans, however, to lift its current 16-character limit on passwords. Having a long password is one way to thwart hackers by making it harder to guess. In a statement, Microsoft says passwords are often compromised when people reuse them on multiple sites, respond to scam email messages or use machines that have malicious software. Longer passwords aren't helpful in those situations, the company says.

Two-step verification is one way to improve security without a longer password. Someone able to guess your password would still need physical access to your phone for the second code, for instance.

Advertisement

Microsoft already requires a second code for sensitive activities, such as editing credit card information. The new feature, available in the coming days, will allow people to require that for all tasks.

So if you're logging on from a new personal computer or mobile device, you'll be asked for that second code, sent to a phone number or an alternative email address on file. If you're offline and unable to get that second code, you can generate one using a Microsoft Authenticator app on Windows Phone devices. Those using iPhones or Android devices can install a third-party authenticator app compatible with Microsoft's system.

Advertisement

If you use a particular computer regularly, you can have that device remember that you're legitimate, so you're not asked for the second code again and again. But you may still have to provide one if you are switching Web browsers or if you haven't used that device for 60 days. If you lose a phone, you can revoke access remotely.

While two-step verification makes accounts safer, it requires more work to use and maintain, particularly if you change your phone number or the alternative email address. If you forget to update that information beforehand and you lose access to both, you'll need to go through a recovery process that comes a 30-day waiting period. The waiting period is to ensure that a hacker doesn't try to use it to take over your account.

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Hotmail, Internet, Microsoft, Outlook, email
Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. OnePlus Pad Lite With 11-Inch Display, 9,340mAh Battery Launched
  2. Realme 15 Pro 5G to Launch in India With Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Chipset
  3. Can't Use Veo 3? Check These Free AI Video Generator Alternatives
  4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Launched in India With 4.1-Inch Cover Screen
  5. Google Pixel Phones Receiving Monthly Software Update for July 2025
  6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 With 8-Inch Inner Display Launched in India
  7. Nothing Phone 3 Review: Enters the Big League With a Big Price
  8. Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025 Highlights: Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7 Unveiled
  9. Moto G96 5G Launched in India With 50-Megapixel Sony Lytia 700C Camera
  10. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic With Exynos W1000 Chip Launched
  1. Dark Dwarfs: New Star-Like Objects May Reveal Nature of Dark Matter
  2. NASA Astronaut Captures Rare Red Sprite Over Storm from Space Station
  3. Progress 92 Spacecraft Docks at ISS with Vital Supplies for Expedition 73
  4. Scientists Trace Universe’s Missing Ordinary Matter Using FRBs and X-rays
  5. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Now Available in a New Colour Variant in India
  6. Lava Blaze AMOLED 2, Blaze Dragon to Launch in India This Month
  7. Samsung Unpacked 2025: Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic With One UI 8.0 Watch, Exynos W1000 Chip Launched
  8. Samsung Unpacked 2025: Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE With 3.4-inch Cover Display, Exynos 2400 SoC Launched
  9. Samsung Unpacked 2025: Galaxy Z Flip 7 Launched in India With 4.1-Inch Cover Screen, Exynos 2500 SoC
  10. Samsung Unpacked 2025: Galaxy Z Fold 7 With Snapdragon 8 Elite Chipset, 8-Inch Inner Display Launched in India
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.