With the kind of advancement in technology, hackers find new and different ways to hack online accounts. Technology is both beneficial and dangerous for us. While the advanced technology provides means to safeguard your account from being vulnerable. It also provides hackers and cybercriminals with the ability to hack more effectively.
However, it is possible to safeguard your important information by adding an extra layer of security by using Two-Factor Authentication.
What is Two-Factor Authentication:
Two-Factor Authentication is a method to provide an added layer of security to your online accounts. Unlike the conventional method when people were used to accessing their online account just by signing in to the account, Two-Factor Authentication requires to enter another added information by the users. The information can be something from a security PIN, Security Question, a verification code, etc.
There are multiple factors that can be used as the second layer of security:
- Any information ranging from a security PIN, Pattern, Security Questions, etc.
- Anything that the user has like credit card information, Smartphone using which they scan the QR code for extra security, or authentication apps.
- Other security measures like fingerprints, IRIS scan, etc.
With 2FA, chances of a data breach or data hack become less. This is because hackers are usually not able to crack the second security layer in the form of Two-Factor Authentication even if they can hack the login window.
How To Enable Two-Factor Authentication On Microsoft Account:
Now that we know the advantages of Two-Factor Authentication on your online accounts the next step is to learn how to enable Two-Factor Authentication on different accounts. This article will cover the steps to enable Two-Factor Authentication on Microsoft Account. According to the recent study, almost 99% of all the Microsoft accounts that are hacked lacked 2FA.
In that case, Microsoft Accounts can be made more protected and less susceptible to information hacks if Two-Factor Authentication is added to them. Adding 2FA to your online Microsoft account easily saves you from the regular online attacks that happen frequently.
Below is an easy guide to educate you about how to enable Two-Factor Authentication to Microsoft Accounts. Let us see how to do it:
- On your PC, open the web browser and then launch the Microsoft’s Security page with the following URL: https://account.microsoft.com/security.
- On the Microsoft Accounts Security page, look for the option that says More Security Options on the right side and click on it.
- You will be asked to sign in to the account if not logged in already. When trying to login Microsoft Account will send a 6 digit verification code to login to your account.
- Once you have logged in to your Microsoft Account click on Set up two-step verification under the heading Two-step verification.
- On the Set up two-step verification window, click on Next. Please note by clicking on Next you will be enabling the Two-Step Verification for your Windows account. Once done, you will be asked for a verification code each time you try to login into your Microsoft Account.
- You will then be asked to provide additional security using the different options available. You can verify your identity with:
- An App.
- A Phone Number
- An Alternate email address.
When you choose any option mentioned-above. It will be used to send the verification code for Two-Factor Authentication.
- If you choose verification using A Phone number, you will be asked to enter your phone number and then click on Next.
- Once you click on Next, a 4 digit verification code will be generated and sent to your mobile number. Enter the 4 digit code to enable the Two-Step Verification on Microsoft Account.
- Once you have enabled 2FA, you will also be given a Recover Code that you can use when you do not have the phone. It is always advised to save the Recovery code at a secure place other than the device itself.
How To Turn-Off Two Step Verification On Microsoft Account:
Follow the steps to do so:
- On your PC, open the web browser and then launch the Microsoft’s Security page with the following URL: https://account.microsoft.com/security.
- On the Microsoft Accounts Security page, look for the option that says More Security Options on the right-side and click on it.
- You will be asked to sign in to the account if not logged in already. Once you have logged in to your Microsoft Account click on Turn Off two-step verification under the heading Two-step verification.
- This will disable the Two-Step Verification process.
Well, if you also want to add an extra layer of security to your Microsoft Account, learn how to enable Two-Step Authentication on Microsoft Account and prevent your account from being hacked. Do let us know how you find this article in the Comments section below.
Next Read:
Two Factor Authentication for Facebook
How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication For Apple ID
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