On this blog, I’ve written about 32 posts about passwords and in a few of them, I’ve mentioned using an authenticator instead of typing in a password. Microsoft, Google and Adobe all have authenticator applications. These apps are better than having a text message sent to your phone with a code since text messages can be intercepted. More and more companies are allowing users to log in with an authenticator app so it’s time we learned how to use them.
I’m going to have a video for each of the three apps I mentioned above and I’ve started with the Microsoft Authenticator. (The other two videos will be available in the next week or two.) I urge you to watch this video so you can understand how an authenticator app works. The video is just 5 minutes long and is well worth your time. (If you have a Google account, please remember to like the video if you learn something new; and, if you aren’t already a subscriber to my YouTube channel, please subscribe!) Here’s the video:
John
Hi – can the authenticator be used on my PC?
Al…the authenticator app is not available on a Windows PC. You can install it on an Apple or an Android device. The idea is to have two devices – so, when you’re logging into something on your computer, a code can be sent to a separate device since, most likely, a hacker would not have access to both devices. ~John
John
Very good explaniation for the authenticator from microsoft.
Going to review again. If we do set it up and want to make any changes is that possible?
Bill…Glad you enjoyed the video! Yes, you can always click on an entry you’ve made and: 1) change password; 2) update security info; 3) review recent activity; 4) get a one-time password code; or 5) remove the account. ~John
thanks John a new way to look at something
Lynn,
You’re more than welcome and thanks for you comment! ~John