The more devices your employees have, the more points of vulnerability exist for your network. Ensuring that any device connected to your data is secure should be of utmost importance for any business. Passwords are the obvious first line of defense, but with the sheer number of accounts that users must manage, it is easy to get overwhelmed. After all, experts recommend not utilizing the same password for every account and creating strong, secure passwords that are not easy to breach. Determining the most appropriate password for both work and personal accounts – and keeping track of which password provides access where – can be challenging. The frustration of forgetting or losing a password, the angst over who may access any confidential information, and the inconvenience of having to modify easily remembered passwords with extraordinary characters can be simplified and streamlined with Microsoft Authenticator.
What is Microsoft Authenticator?
No matter your industry or the size of your business, Microsoft Authenticator guarantees that all of your accounts are safeguarded – and that your data is viewed, utilized, and distributed by the appropriate parties. By using two-factor verification, your team can relax knowing that their workflow will not be interrupted because of stolen passwords or login failures.
While it may get tiresome to constantly type in a username, password, and form of verification, the additional level of protection is a benefit that should not be underestimated—especially when dealing with confidential information or protecting accounts that span various platforms or applications. Additionally, users can select their method of verification or how they prefer to access their accounts if the three-step process doesn’t suit their needs.
Of course, it is important to understand exactly what Authenticator does and how it works. Using Microsoft Authenticator, employees can set up and choose from access options such as:
- Two-step verification—enter your username, password, and complete a specific prompt
- Rely on password-free access —enter your username and then complete a confirmation prompt on a different device (such as your smartphone)
- Select fingerprint or face recognition technology, or create a unique PIN
- Create a unique QR code that provides personalized access
- Using the mobile app, match the number on your computer monitor to the one that appears on an alternative device.
Microsoft Authenticator can also rescue you if you forget any login or credentialing information, responding quickly and walking you through the account restoration process. Utilizing single-use passwords, Microsoft Authenticator can generate distinct codes that can be used one time and one time only.
How Can Authenticator Help Your Business?
Because requirements differ from organization to organization, employees may work on a myriad of distinct devices. Microsoft Authenticator’s resources and tools can be used on phones, computers, tablets, and laptops. While network administrators have the option to create employees’ accounts and manage the verification process /method of access, the app also permits individual users to choose the confirmation process that best suits their preferences. And remember, Microsoft Authenticator isn’t constrained to only professional accounts – it can be used with personal Microsoft accounts and non-Microsoft accounts too.
If you are interested in learning more about Authenticator or any of the other Microsoft products, call Alliance IT.
At Alliance IT, we are dedicated to helping our clients to establish a robust strategy to protect their data and information. Whether your company needs business continuity and disaster recovery planning, access to cutting-edge technologies, or help with software licensing and implementation – our team has the expertise you need. Call today to learn more about how managed services can help your organization to grow and thrive.
