Guide: Authy vs Microsoft Authenticator: Comparison and Review
Tired of the mandatory password change prompts? Do you find it challenging to keep track of passwords? Well, Microsoft agrees that the mandatory password change trend is getting old and suggests that it should go away. Fortunately, two-factor authentication or 2FA offering apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator are around to save the day. Surprisingly, a lot of people keep making bad password choices, especially when they use 2FA and think it’s foolproof. If you are using a 2FA app to scan a barcode, always write down backup codes somewhere safe, preferably offline. Taking a screenshot of the QR code and storing it in an encrypted vault also works, although it is less secure as it is still available online. Now let’s see how Authy compares to Microsoft Authenticator and which 2FA app to use. Get Authy Download Microsoft Authenticator
1. Create an account
When you open Authy for the first time, the app will ask you to create an account with your mobile number. That means your phone must have an active SIM card. In case you don’t know, SIM swapping is a common phishing technique where the hacker issues a new SIM card with your number and then uses it to generate OTPs (One Time Password). Authy has a workaround for what we’ll discuss in the security point below.
Authy uses a colorful layout where it is easy to find your 2FA codes as each item uses the respective service’s logo. Google Authenticator never syncs them, making it difficult to find a 2FA code in a sea of text and numbers. Microsoft Authenticator uses a similar layout where logos are synchronized, making it easy to find 2FA codes of the respective services.
Unlike Authy, you can use it without creating an account. However, you can use it with your Microsoft account, but that is optional.
Scanning QR codes on both apps is simple and fast. Just tap the ‘+’ icon and point backwards camera towards the QR code.
2. Make backups
Authy allows users to back up their codes if they lose their smartphone. These backups are encrypted on your device and then stored in the cloud on Authy servers, owned by Twilio. These backups can then be restored to another mobile device with the same phone number with an active SIM card. However, you must enter the backup password to decrypt the synchronized keys. That way, a hacker can access your number through a SIM swap trick, but you still own the backup password. So it is very important that you keep the backup password somewhere safe, preferably offline, and never share it with anyone.
Microsoft Authenticator works the same way. For the time being, the option of backing upup to make 2FA codes available only to iOS users. Microsoft hasn’t announced anything for Android yet, but I’m hopeful. You need a Microsoft account to back upup of your 2FA codes.
To get started, go to Settings on your iPhone and tap on iCloud Backupup. The interface will ask you to enter your Microsoft account information. The backups are encrypted and stored in iCloud, and your Microsoft account is used for verification. You must also use 2FA for your Microsoft account. So, how do I sign in to my Microsoft account? That’s why you should always write down one-time backup codes offline when you scan QR codes on all sites. I keep a journal and an archive Sakura pen that is waterproof, fade resistant and chemical resistant. Yes, I am paranoid when it comes to my safety, which brings us to the next point.
3. Security
Earlier we discussed how to get a mobile number to register an account with Authy can be dangerous. To fix this problem, Authy has implemented an option called Allow Multiple Devices. You can only install Authy on a 2nd or 3rd device if it is enabled. So make sure to turn that option off after you finish setting it up up your accounts and scanning QR codes.
Even if a hacker uses the SIM swap trick, he cannot install Authy on his device because it is not allowed. You can see a list of registered devices on the same screen. In the case of Microsoft Authenticator, there is no need to use a SIM card, and if you choose to use your Microsoft account, backups are stored in iCloud instead. That means the hacker has to open both accounts before he / she can steal 2FA codes. Make sure to secure your Apple account as well.
Both Authy and Microsoft Authenticator allow the locking of apps with a 4-digit PIN code and fingerprint scanner. The 2FA codes never leave your device unless you want them to, and they are encrypted on the device before uploading.
4. Other Features
Microsoft Authenticator also works with Microsoft’s business solution. So you can now use the app to receive push notifications with one tap to approve the login – no need to enter the code either. One-tap push notification also works with personal accounts.
Both 2FA apps can generate codes offline and without access to an internet connection after the codes have been scanned and stored on the device.
5. Prices and platforms
Authy and Microsoft Authenticator are free and ad-free. Authy supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Chrome browser. Microsoft Authenticator supports both the mobile platforms and Windows 10, but leave macOS and browsers out of the mix.
Two is a business
Authy has a better UI and supports more platforms, but Microsoft Authenticator covers the most important anyway. If you are a Microsoft user or an employee with administrator privileges, Microsoft Authenticator makes more sense to you. Authy backups also work on Android which is a plus for Android smartphone users. A user may accidentally forget to enable the multi-device option, making it easier for a hacker to steal codes from Authy. While it’s not entirely Authy’s fault, it’s still a risk. Microsoft Authenticator removes that from the equation. The next up Looking for more 2FA apps for Windows 10? Click on the link below to find out.
Authy vs Microsoft Authenticator: Comparison and Review: benefits
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