Tip of the Week: Activating Two-Step Verification on a Microsoft Account

Two-step authentication/verification has seen considerable popularity as a means of securing an account. To help you boost the protections surrounding your Microsoft account, we’re offering a few tips on how to use two-step verification, as Microsoft refers to it.

What is Two-Step Verification?

This security measure compounds the traditional password with a second proof of identity, which Microsoft calls the user’s security info. Microsoft’s approach is to reach out to the user each time a device is used to access the account that hasn’t yet been designated as a trusted device. Via a phone call, email, or an authenticator application, two-step verification asks the user to confirm that yes, the current attempt to access the account is legitimate.

Turning on Two-Step Verification for Your Microsoft Account

The process to activate two-step verification is simple:

• Sign into the Security basics page for your Microsoft account
• Access More security options
• Locate Two-step verification, and select Set up two-step verification
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process

You have the option of selecting a phone number, an email address, or an authentication app to use. If you choose to use an application, but not the Microsoft Authenticator app, you will have to follow the provided on-screen instructions to link your account to the app of your choice.

Setting up two-step verification on any account you use can greatly benefit your security. To learn more ways to secure your work-essential technology, reach out to the IT professionals at BNMC by calling (978) 482-2020.