Note that the above video is for Google, this is simply do demonstrate how it works for those that don't know.
[url=http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2013/04/17/microsoft-account-gets-more-secure.aspx]Source[/url]
[I][QUOTE]Over the next couple days we will roll out a major upgrade to Microsoft account, including optional two-step verification to help keep your account more secure.
Microsoft has increasingly focused on delivering connected devices and services that are currently used by more than 700 million people around the world. A Microsoft account is the key that unlocks your experience across these products—from your Windows PC to your Windows Phone, from Xbox to Outlook.com, from SkyDrive and Skype to Office and much more.
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. You should see this option show up in your account in the next few days. You can enable this capability at [url]https://account.live.com/proofs/Manage[/url].[/QUOTE][/I]
[b]What is 2 step verification? [/b]
When you sign into an online service, such as Facebook, Gmail, Hotmail, Battle.net, you can set up an added layer of security to your account. By adding either an alternate email address, code generator (smart phones) or simply a text message to your phone, you're sent a code and must input that code to sign into your service.
It's been around for a while on other service, but I'm glad to see Microsoft finally making the adjustment. This is for their at hotmail and at outlook email addresses along with their other suite of services. Do you use 2 step verification on you online services? Off the top of my head, just thinking of major outlets that have 2 step verification:
Facebook
Google/ at gmail
Battle.net Authenticator
Steam Accounts
Apple/iTunes/iCloud; has application specific passwords
[B]Microsoft - Hotmail/Outlook jumps on board.[/B]
..is Twitter next?
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1 ReplyI think that this would work very well; however, the lazy side of me doesn't want to have to check my phone for a randomly generated password each time. I think it would work better if it randomly picked one those verification questions (Where were you born? What is the first name of your best friend?) but it cycled through each time so that it was never the same question twice in a row. That way if someone stole the information, they could not log in until you had logged in another 4 times separately. Correct me if there is anything wrong with this idea please.