On October 31, 2024 Microsoft will turn on two-factor authentication for your accounts
This announcement applies primarily to admins and anyone signing in online. Users signing in with Outlook should be unaffected, but it is highly recommended for all users
Official Statement from Microsoft: ❝As part of ongoing efforts to improve security, we’re enabling the security defaults setting in your tenant that includes multifactor authentication, which can block more than 99.9 percent of identity attacks that attempt to compromise your accounts.❞
What this means:
Microsoft will be turning on two-factor authentication for admins and those logging in online starting October 31. Enabling 2-factor, while inconvenient, can block more than 99.9% of identity attacks 🦲
While not required for all e-mail uses, we highly recommended setting this up.
This authentication will use the “Microsoft Authenticator App” from the Microsoft Store.
For Apple, get the app here: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2273143
For Android, get the app here: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2273142
- Once installed, you will setup the authenticator using these instructions (NOTE: Follow instructions for a “work or school account”) App Setup
- For more information, you can review Microsoft’s “Learn how to sign in” Instructions Here
As always, feel free to contact me if you need help setting this up. Below is a copy of the announcement explaining why this is being done and providing more details.
Other Authentication Options
- Other 2-factor options may be available, such as text messaging (les secure) and using other authenticator apps. Microsoft specifically suggests using their authenticator app.
- It is possible to opt-out, but it is not recommended.
- Check out this article for more information about digital security and authentication methods: https://cejaywebsites.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-data-leaks/
I also found this great video on YouTube!