Microsoft Authenticator’s number matching feature for MFA push notifications is now available to fight MFA fatigue attacks

Many tech companies provide services on the web, but the only company that needs a rival is Microsoft. It is the only company that offers a complete package for creating documents, PowerPoint presentations, and completing tasks in one place. But that’s not all. Microsoft has also worked on other things like Outlook (email service), OneDrive (cloud service), etc., to give users everything in one stop.

From these special needs, Microsoft has become the world’s largest office suite provider today. Microsoft provides a single account login to every user as a place with many services. Although it is already a secure service, Microsoft has added an extra layer of protection by introducing Multifactor Authentication (MFA) to approve user sign requests. People are curious about this number-matching system, so let’s elaborate.

What is Number Matching for Microsoft Authenticator, and How to use MFA

You may not know that millions of users trust Microsoft services and security. In addition to adding add-on features, Microsoft also strives to optimize security. As a basic process, you must enter your email address and password while signing in to your Microsoft account. Note that if you have enabled OTP Authentication, you must also verify the user using OTP. In the meantime, you must enter the OTP sent to your email or phone in addition to your password.

But over time, Microsoft understood the unfair practices hackers were doing. To optimize more, in 2016, Microsoft introduced a two-factor authentication-like security feature that stands after giving you an OTP. This additional security feature is called Multifactor Authentication (MFA). When you sign in, the MFA servers send you a number on your phone. You need to type this number on the device where you are signing in, and it is called number matching.

This brief analysis shows that number matching is nothing but another security layer, where MFA pops up a number on a device where your Microsoft Account is already logged in. You then need to type that number to match the number, and once it matches, you will be able to log into your Microsoft Account. Some of you think it is a hassle, but you should know it will greatly help you. For a better understanding, see the benefits below.

• Better control of account access
• Reduced password risks
• Assured customer identity
• Allow remote access
• Comply with Single Sign-On Solutions

After reading about these capabilities, you might wonder

After reading about Microsoft MFA and its number-matching system, I am sure you are eager to use such a feature. However, you may need help figuring out where to start as a new thing. For this reason, you need to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) from settings to avail of this additional security layer. Below, we are sharing instructions to enable and use MFA.

1. Simply visit the Security Basics page.
2. Sign in to your Microsoft Account.
3. Now select “more security options.”
4. Under “two-step verification,” choose the “setup two-step verification” option.
5. Next, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the verification process.
6. That’s it! From now on, you can also avail of the number-matching facility.

From now on, you have two layers to access your account. You must sign in and pass through security layers even if you are the account holder. MFA number matching is also required in different scenarios besides signing into the account. These include password reset, NPS extension, AD FS Adapter, and combined MFA registration. By using these methods, you can save your account.

Frequently Asked Questions