Microsoft rolling out two-factor authentication across product line

[Brink]

There have been hints for the past week-plus -- courtesy of Liveside.net -- that Microsoft was poised to roll out two-factor authentication for its Microsoft Accounts. On April 17, Microsoft did just that.

The company is calling this security process "two-step verification." Microsoft is making available two-step verification across all products and services accessible via a Microsoft Account. This includes Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox, Outlook.com, SkyDrive, Office, and more. The rollout will be happening over the "next couple of days," according to the company.

(Microsoft Account is the new name for Microsoft's Live IDs.)

Read more at source:
Microsoft rolling out two-factor authentication across its product line | ZDNet

and

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/286925-microsoft-account-two-step-verification-turn-off.html

 

[King Arthur]

For a moment there I had expected MS had implemented a more draconian activation scheme for Windows and so forth. Glad to read that this was completely different and rather about account security, and above all an optional feature.

 

[OvenMaster]

Good thing it's optional. I don't own a cellphone.

 

[Brink]

New tutorial:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/286925-microsoft-account-two-step-verification-turn-off.html

 

[boohbah]

that was fast shawn, well done.

 

[Britton30]

Good thing it's optional. I don't own a cellphone.

You can use an alternate email, easily setup.

Good info Shawn. does the 2nd snip apply, its says Eight forums on it.
I like the locked noose in the icon too.

 

[Brink]

Thanks guys.

@ Gary,
Yep, the tutorial applies to all Windows. (Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8). Just one that I happened to use from another tutorial at EF.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
I have to love this.

They implement what seems to be a great idea and then RUIN the whole concept by offering to send the security code to a mobile phone. So when a mobile user signs in (using the Internet / WiFi) the code is visible to almost anybody who is interested enough in getting this info.

Most of the worlds mobiles are Android based -- and as we all know Android as implemented on mobiles has so many holes and leaks that it makes a Sieve look like a totally air / water tight enclosure.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Golden]

Totally BOVINE, old chap!

 

[jimbo45]

Totally BOVINE, old chap!

Hi there
Me or the Mobile phone problem. !!!

Cheers and G'day Mate !!!
jimbo

 

[senseless1707]

Thanks for the info Shawn! I'll be implementing this here soon.

 

[theveterans]

I'm good with this scheme. I don't want my Skydrive and Office 365 account getting compromised. Steam has been doing a similar two-step verification when using a web browser for a while.