Last week we told you the news that Microsoft is rolling out its enhanced Two-Step Verification for all user’s accounts. Mine was finally updated the other day, and here’s how to set it up and use.
Set Up Microsoft Two-Step Verification
Log in to your account at: https://account.live.com/proofs/Manage
Then select Security Info on the left and then click the Set Up Two-Step Verification link. Then work through the onscreen instructions.
One frustrating things I found was it doesn’t allow you to set up two-step verification on linked accounts.
So if you have a linked account, you need to unlink them first – how annoying this might be when switching between accounts, i‘m not sure yet.
If you don’t have any accounts linked or after unlinking them, just continue through the onscreen instructions. You’ll have a code emailed, phoned, or texted to you to verify it’s you.
Now moving forward when you need to sign in to your account, you’ll get an extra verification code sent to you. A nice feature is the ability to not have it ask for your extra code every single time. Very handy on a system you use regularly.
Pair Authenticator App with MS Account
Just like with Google Two-Factor Authentication, you can use an authenticator app too. The Google Authenticator app can be installed on Android, iOS, and BlackBerry. Windows Phone 8 has its own Microsoft Authenticator app.
Log in to your Microsoft account again, and click the Set Up link under Authenticator App. Then scan the QR Code on the page and you’re all set (mine out for security).
You don’t have to set up an Authenticator app, but it sure makes it faster to get in to your account, versus waiting for a text or call.
For More about Two-Step Verification / Two-Step Authentication, and the companies that are employing it, check out these articles:
- Google Two Factor Authentication Roundup
- Enable Facebook Two Factor Authentication
- How To Enable Two Factor Auth for Google Apps Users
- Create App Specific One-Off Passwords with Google Two Factor
- Enable LastPass Two Factor Authentication
- How To Enable Two-Step Authentication for Dropbox
- Enable Two-Step Verification for Apple Account
Honestly, enabling two factor authentication is not an option anymore. It’s kinda like a flu shot in that you’re not protecting your data when you enable 2 factor, you’re also protecting those around you including those who’ve not yet turned on two factor.
IMO, it’s just irresponsible for ppl to not turn on two factor in 2013.
You’re not in Kansas anymore nancy…..