Windows 10: Can't authenticate so I'm locked out of tech support options.

My Authenticator app has stopped working entirely. I can't generate a code and no security notifications come thru, so I'm locked out of everything from my OneNote to tech support options.I've tried:• uninstalling & reinstalling the app multiple times => no change/reaction whatsoever• clearing the cache of the app => ditto• clearing the app data => at sign in it says my account doesn't exist• begging home support for a way to get in touch with a person in business tech support => they either cut the chat off without attempting to answer, tell me to call the same phone # again

:)

 

Please Help: Authenticator is Not Calling OR Texting: LOCKED OUT.

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

I understand your frustration with the current situation. Being locked out of your work system due to issues with the authenticator can indeed be frustrating. While I may not be able to directly resolve the specific issue you're facing, I can suggest some general steps that might help in such situations:

1. Double-Check Phone Number: Ensure that the phone number registered with your account is correct and up-to-date. Sometimes, a simple mistake in the phone number can lead to authentication issues.
   
2. Check Network Connectivity: Make sure you have a stable internet connection on your device to receive calls or texts from the authenticator.
   
3. Try a Different Method: If the authenticator app is not sending calls or texts, check if there's an option to use a different method of verification, such as using an alternate phone number or an authenticator app like Google Authenticator.
   
4. Contact IT Support or Admin: If you're confident that your phone number is correct, and you've tried other verification methods, reach out to your IT support or administrator again. Ask them to verify your account settings and check if there are any known issues with the authentication system.
   
5. Temporary Workaround: If possible, check with your IT support or administrator if there's a temporary workaround to access your work system while the issue is being resolved. They might be able to provide you with a one-time access code or temporarily disable the authenticator requirement.
   

Regarding your concerns about using a phone for authentication and changing passwords regularly, these security measures are often implemented to enhance the overall security of user accounts. Using a phone for authentication adds an extra layer of protection (multi-factor authentication) to ensure that only authorized users can access the account. Changing passwords regularly helps mitigate the risk of potential unauthorized access, especially if passwords are compromised.

However, I understand that these measures can be inconvenient at times. If you have specific feedback or concerns about the authentication process, I recommend sharing them with your IT department or system administrators so they can consider the user experience and possibly provide further guidance or improvements.

In any case, I hope the issue is resolved quickly so you can regain access to your work system. Remember to follow up with your IT support for personalized assistance with your specific account and authentication setup.

Please feel free to let me know if you have any further updates, thanks.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Tech Support Scam

Warning: There are "Tech Support Scams" pretending to be Windows 10 Support and Activation Technologies. Please be vigilant. Microsoft never calls or emails users to inform them their license is expiring, accounts will be closed or they need access to
sensitive information such as passwords or banking information. Neither should you get an email. Learn more in the following article:

PSA: Beware of Windows 10 Activation Tech Support Scams

http://www.groovypost.com/news/beware-of-window...

Report it:

https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam/

Tech support scams - Windows Defender Security ... - Microsoft

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/su...

Protect yourself from tech support scams - Microsoft Support

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/401340...

If you believe sensitive information such as bank passwords might have been compromised, go to another computer and change it immediately. Contact your bank to let them know of any suspicious activities.

Change your other passwords for services such as emails and other important web sites you visit.

Have a notepad near by so you can write down the new passwords.

Enable two factor authentication on your Microsoft Account:

How To Enable Microsoft Two Factor Authentication - groovyPost

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/enable-microso...

Let friends and family know on social media, they should not accept any request begging for money or disclose sensitive information, since someone might be pretending to be you.

 

Tech Support Scam

If you allowed them remote access either time, you have some work to do.

It's a common scam that you could have ended with the Task Manager. Now you must consider everything on your computer has been compromised. Passwords, PIN numbers, financial account information.
A clean install of Windows is the best option and what I would do myself. See the following and decide if you want to tempt fate not knowing what they may have installed on your computer.

From Quietman, see: I have been hacked...What should I do?

Answers to common security questions - Best Practices - Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware, and Privacy Software


And this from the FTC:

Tech Support Scams

How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams

Next, follow the instructions here even if the pop up is gone.

http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-tech-support-scam-popups/

Also run this tool.

SuperAntiSpyware (Free version)

Remove Malware & Spyware with Anti-Malware Software | SUPERAntiSpyware

Please read:

PSA: Tech Support Scams Pop-Ups on the Rise

https://blog.malwarebytes.org/fraud-scam/2014/11/psa-tech-support-scams-pop-ups-on-the-rise/

Breaking down a notably sophisticated tech support scam M.O.

https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com...-notably-sophisticated-tech-support-scam-m-o/