Avoid MFA fatigue caused by traditional methods and start using the Microsoft Authenticator App.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of security to protect your digital identity from unauthorized access. However, traditional MFA methods, such as phone calls and SMS verification via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), are becoming less effective.
Traditional PSTN verification methods, such as receiving a call and pressing the "hash" key or receiving an SMS code, are vulnerable to MFA fatigue. This means that users may unknowingly grant access without considering the context, simply because the action is so routine. This makes your accounts vulnerable to attackers who can easily mimic these actions.
For example, during phone verification, users often press the "hash" key to log in without a second thought. This is a routine action that can be easily exploited by an attacker with access to your phone line. Similarly, MFA via SMS verification has a similar issue. The code sent to your phone can be easily intercepted or copied, completely undermining the security aspect.
Fortunately, there is a better and more advanced solution available: the Microsoft Authenticator app. This app offers a strong and secure way to perform MFA and protect your digital identity. Here are some reasons why you should consider switching to the Microsoft Authenticator:
Number Matching: Instead of a simple action like pressing the "hash" key, the Microsoft Authenticator app generates a constantly changing number code that must be entered. This code cannot be easily reproduced, making it difficult for attackers to gain access to your account.
For example, one time you may need to enter "46," and the next time it could be "27." This adds an extra layer of security that PSTN verification lacks.
Location Data for Context: The Microsoft Authenticator app also shows the location of the login attempt. This provides valuable context to assess whether the login is legitimate or not.
For example, if you're in Belgium and someone tries to log in from another country, you can detect it immediately and deny access.
Push Notifications: Instead of manually entering codes, you can simply accept a push notification on your mobile device to log in. This makes the process fast and user-friendly while still providing a high level of security.
If you take the security of your online accounts seriously, consider switching to the Microsoft Authenticator app. This method is also likely to become mandatory in the future.
Recently, users in the Microsoft environment who rely on PSTN verification methods for MFA have been asked to use the Microsoft Authenticator app. They can skip this request up to 3 times, after which registration of the app is required.
It is clear that traditional PSTN verification methods are no longer the most secure options for MFA. MFA fatigue and the ease with which attackers can bypass these methods make them unsuitable for modern security needs. Microsoft Authenticator offers a powerful solution with number matching and location context, making your accounts more secure against attacks. It is a simple and effective way to protect your digital identity and strengthen the security of your data.