Question
Why should I use Microsoft Authenticator for Multi-Factor Authentication?
Environment
- University of Windsor Microsoft 365 account
- iOS or Android mobile device
Answer
Microsoft Authenticator is a free mobile app from Microsoft for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices that helps protect your UWin Account. Passwords alone or Multi-Factor Authentication using a text message are no longer enough to keep accounts secure.
Microsoft Authenticator adds an extra layer of protection that helps prevent unauthorized access, even if someone else knows your password.
Microsoft Authenticator is more secure than text message verification because:
- It is device‑based, not phone‑number‑based
- It resists SIM‑swap and interception attacks
- It provides stronger protection against phishing
- It can eliminate passwords altogether
For these reasons, University of Windsor is implementing MS Authenticator as a primary MFA method while Microsoft is phasing out text message verification by February 1, 2027.