When you log in to an account on the Internet, the most common thing to do is to enter your username and password. However, for some time now, it is more and more common to have to put a second step. It is what is known as multi factor authentication. Basically, it consists of receiving a code to, in addition to entering the password, be able to authenticate yourself. That code usually arrives by SMS or through third-party applications. Now Microsoft wants to make an interesting change and use WhatsApp for it.
Microsoft’s idea is improve security of users when using two-factor authentication. But instead of sending a code by SMS, as was usual until now, he wants to make a change and send it by WhatsApp. It’s one of the enhancements they’re going to make to their Microsoft Authenticator app.
2FA codes for WhatsApp
There is little to talk about WhatsApp. It was the mobile application that made the vast majority stop using SMS to communicate with other people. In fact, if you think about it, nowadays mobile messages are basically advertising, scam attempts and 2FA codes to be able to log in to the bank account, social networks, etc.
Now, Microsoft wants to take advantage of the popularity of WhatsApp to send two-step authentication codes around and not have to do it through SMS. The reason is for security, since SMS is considered to have certain security gaps and can become a danger. Have the option to receive those codes by WhatsAppit can be interesting for many.
At the moment it is a process being tested. In fact, it will not really start to work until October and only in certain countries. We will have to wait, at least a few more months, until this novelty from Microsoft reaches Europe. From there, it will be normal to receive 2FA codes from Microsoft through WhatsApp.
But this is not the only change that they are going to introduce. Another important new feature of Microsoft Authenticator is that it will block notifications They come from sources that Microsoft has previously identified as untrustworthy. In this way, security can be improved and we will avoid certain scams. However, it is a system that could also generate false positives and display warnings when we are really dealing with something safe.
Boost your security
keep the Internet security It’s fundamental. Beyond using a good password and also using two-step authentication, it is key to keep in mind certain tips to properly protect the device and avoid problems. This, in turn, will make your accounts even more protected.
Something fundamental is to always have a good anti virus. There are many options, such as Microsoft Defender itself, Avast, Bitdefender… The important thing is that you choose one that is guaranteed to work well and really help you maintain security and detect any threat that reaches your device.
Also, it is key to have All updated. There may be vulnerabilities that affect the operating system or any program you use. Always try to have the latest versions and thus you will avoid problems that compromise your security.
In short, as you can see, Microsoft is going to start using WhatsApp to send two-factor authentication codes. An interesting option to improve security and have that extra barrier of protection. Preventing an online bank account, social network or any other platform from being robbed is essential.
