Microsoft plans to enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) directly in its Outlook app for many 365 business users.
MFA is a vital tool to help protect your online accounts from cybercriminals. It generates a second, single-use passcode every time you log into an account. It's usually sent to an authenticator app on your phone that you must download and set up first.
You can also receive security codes through SMS text messages and phone calls or obtain a unique USB security key to plug into your computer.
The process can be quicker using a biometric login like your fingerprint or face ID. It's a minor chore, but its protection far outweighs the extra seconds it takes to access your account.
Microsoft isn't so sure about those extra seconds, however. If the tech giant can save you that time, it will do it. That's why it's looking to streamline MFA for Microsoft 365 business accounts.
It's rolling out the improvement by building MFA directly into the Outlook app in an Authenticator Lite feature. Until now, it's relied on a separate authenticator app or sending login codes.
There's no news yet for those who want faster authentication on our personal PCs. We'll update you with any information if Microsoft does announce plans to make this feature available to more hardware or operating systems.
If you don't already use MFA for your apps and online accounts, we recommend that all businesses implement it as soon as possible. The additional security it offers protects against most of today's cyber threats.
Just get in touch for more help and advice about implementing MFA or getting the best from Microsoft 365.
Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.