Two-factor authentication is becoming the norm these days simply because the usual username and password combo is no longer as secure as it once was, with people either choosing to use passwords that are simple to guess (such as birth dates), or with hackers becoming better at breaching systems.Now the good news for those who use Microsoft’s Authenticator feature is that it looks like the app has been launched on the Apple Watch. According to Microsoft, “We heard our customers loud and clear—they want support for the Microsoft Authenticator app on Apple Watch. So, that’s why I’m thrilled to announce we are starting to roll out the public preview of the Microsoft Authenticator companion app for Apple Watch and plan to release to general availability within the next few weeks.”
“This experience will allow you to approve sign-in notifications that require PIN or biometric on your Watch without having to use your phone.” Unlike your standard two-factor authentication which usually requires a one-time generated PIN to be entered, the Microsoft Authenticator app simply asks if you “approve” the sign in when you try to sign into your Microsoft account.
Microsoft says, “From a security standpoint, we still consider the experience on the Watch as two-step verification. The first factor is your possession of the Watch. The second factor is the PIN that only you know. When you put the Watch on your wrist in the morning, you will need to unlock it. As long as you don’t remove the Watch from your wrist and it stays within range of your phone, it will stay unlocked—so you don’t need to provide your PIN again.”
The app is currently in public preview which means it’s still in beta, but for those who are interested, you can sign up to be part of the beta here.
Filed in . Read more about Apple Watch, Apps, Microsoft, Security, Smartwatch and Wearable Tech.