Windows 10: Securing authenticator on lost device

I have lost my android mobile phone. I have recovered Authenticator on a replacement device from backup and have done the sensible things. Changed my password and forced all devices to logout.My phone is secured with a code and biometrics, but what is someone did gain access to it. Could they use it to approve logins?I know this is unlikely but is it possible? I have looked for a way to disable this device but cannot find anything, despite various post suggesting the is a way.Can this be done? If so how?Thanks Kev

:)

 

Security Key and Authenticator

Hello Andrea,

To address the issue with your Microsoft account sign-in process where it prompts for the authenticator code instead of the security key, you may need to check your sign-in options in your account settings. Ensure that your security key is set as the preferred method. If the problem persists, you could also try these options.

1. Check Security Key Configuration:
   
   • Make sure that your security key is properly set up and registered with your Microsoft account.
     
   • Verify that the security key is correctly inserted into a USB port on your computer.
     
2. Device Compatibility:
   
   • Ensure that your security key is compatible with your device. Some older devices or operating systems might not fully support security keys.
     
3. Microsoft Authenticator Settings:
   
   • Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
     
   • Check if you have any other accounts (e.g., personal Microsoft account, work/school account) added to the app.
     
   • If you see your Microsoft account listed, try removing it from the Authenticator app and then re-adding it.
     
4. Fallback Options:
   
   • If you encounter issues with the security key, consider using a temporary workaround:
     
     • Sign in with your username and password.
       
     • Use a time-based one-time password (TOTP) generated by the Authenticator app for two-factor authentication.
       
5. Notifications and Updates:
   
   • Ensure that notifications are enabled for the Authenticator app:
     
     • Go to Settings > Notification Settings and make sure Show notifications is turned on.
       
   • Keep the Authenticator app updated to the latest version:
     
     • Go to Settings > App updates and ensure it’s turned on.
       
6. Device Lock Screen:
   
   • Make sure your device requires a PIN or biometric (e.g., fingerprint, face recognition) to unlock. This ensures better security.
     
   • Re-enable face ID or fingerprint unlock if necessary.
     
7. Retry and Intermittent Errors:
   
   • Sometimes errors are intermittent. If you faced a problem previously, retry your sign-in to see if the issue persists.
     

Remember that using a security key provides an additional layer of security, and it’s essential to ensure its proper configuration.

Hope this helps,

Fathia A

 

New Microsoft Authenticator version for Android and iOS - Oct. 12

Two factor authentication (TFA) is easy, convenient, and secure when you use Microsoft Authenticator. Use your phone, not your password, to log into your Microsoft account. Just enter your username, then approve the notification sent to your phone. Your fingerprint, face ID, or PIN will provide a second layer of security in this two step verification process. After youve signed in with two factor authentication (TFA), youll have access to all your Microsoft products and services, such as Outlook, OneDrive, Office, and more.

Microsoft Authenticator version 6.2010.6717 for Android

Source: Microsoft Authenticator - Apps on Google Play




Microsoft Authenticator version 6.4.39 for iOS

Download: Microsoft Authenticator | App Store

 

Imation Expands Line of High-Capacity, High-Security, Hardware Encrypted USB HDDs

Imation Corp., a global scalable storage and data security company, today announced the expansion of its secure USB hard drive line with capacities of up to 1 terabyte (TB), optional biometric fingerprint authentication, and a uniquely comprehensive set of options for secure USB hard drive management.

“Enterprise and government organizations increasingly need manageable USB devices in order to provide mobile workers with the tools necessary to work where and when they want, and access the data they need in the most secure way possible,” said Lawrence Reusing, Imation’s general manager for Mobile Security. “People are increasingly turning to USB hard drives to transport large data sets. Our expanding secure hard drive offerings are in response to our customers needing increased capacity without compromising control over the devices and data.”





"Many organizations have already taken steps to encrypt and protect data on disk drives used in notebook PCs, but now need to go one step further to encrypt and protect data on personal storage devices," said John Rydning, IDC's research vice president for hard disk drives. "Imation's encrypted personal storage solutions address what is often a neglected area for data security in organizations."

Imation’s full line of secure data solutions – from USB flash drives to hard drives – allows IT administrators to provision employees with a wide array of manageable FIPS Level 3 validated secure USB devices, simplifying data security for travelers, teleworkers, and contractors.

Imation also offers IT administrators the industry’s most comprehensive device provisioning and management solutions with advanced features such as remote kill, device recycling, and compliance reporting. Imation delivers unique features and controls to meet Enterprise and Government customer needs, including:

• Up to 10 users per device with one-factor or two-factor authentication standard, with robust support for complex and custom password policies including length, special characters, and expiration, among other rules.
• Optional Imation ACCESS Enterprise device management, which streamlines provisioning, and offers customized security policies, deployment, and management of a few up to tens of thousands of secure portable devices across networks and security environments.
• Available administration with McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator software, enabling centralized enterprise device management, and an array of administrative capabilities, including US Government CAC/PIV card authentication and optional antivirus software that prevents malware from being transferred onto the device.

Imation secure hard drive features include:

• FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) 140-2, Level 3 validated security processor meeting the most demanding regulatory requirements.
• AES 256-bit hardware encryption, protecting data each time the USB hard drive is in use with the hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption implemented in Cipher Block Chain (CBC) mode.
• Single or dual-factor authentication, customers can choose models with password-only authentication, or password plus biometric fingerprint authentication through an ergonomic swipe sensor, to protect data at rest and ensure data access for authorized users.
• Unique tamper-evident aluminum enclosure that allows users to immediately recognize attempts to physically compromise the device.

Imation’s Secure Data, Identity and Mobile Workspace product set helps organizations protect against data loss and supports compliance strategies, providing users secure and convenient access to their data and applications wherever they are, while delivering managed security and ensuring compliance over a range of USB devices and removable media.

Imation’s secure mobile solutions are available through Imation’s network of channel partners. For more information, visit http://www.imation.com/en-US/Mobile-Security/Mobile-Security-Products/Secure-Data/.