Today, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is rolling out two-factor authentication for Microsoft accounts, including Windows Phone, Windows 8 PCs, Xbox, Outlook.com, SkyDrive, Skype, Office and more.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), in a blog post says:
Given this critical role for Microsoft account, we remain vigilant in working hard to protect your account, which is why we’re adding an option so you can enable two-step verification to further protect yourself.
Users wanting to enable the optional two-step verification can head over to https://account.live.com/proofs/Manage and sign in to their Microsoft accounts. Click on the “Set up two-step verification” link, add your mobile phone number and an alternative email address.
This process protects an entire account, regardless of what service (or device) users are signed in and using as an Microsoft account. Enabling is completely optional. Some users complain that it creates inconvenience, because they need to add two pieces of information every time when logging in. A password plus a code is sent to the users’ phone or email on file as security info.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has also released a Microsoft Authenticator app. This app can be used to generate two-step verification codes and can be used with a Microsoft account, as well as other accounts like Google and Dropbox.
For now, note that this feature is slowly rolling out, which means users may see a delay before this option is available on the Security page.
Well, finally Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has made the right decision to support two-step verification which many users were demanding. As they say “better late than never!”
