Guide: Authy vs Microsoft Authenticator: Comparison and Review
Microsoft has come up with a suggestion that the mandatory password change trend should go away. They say that it’s becoming difficult to keep track of passwords and that it’s time to move on from the practice. fortunately, there are a few options out there to help you out. Two-factor authentication or 2FA offers like Google Authenticator, Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator can help you keep your passwords safe.
Many people make bad password choices when they use 2FA and think it is 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. ..
Authy is a free, secure, and convenient app for iPhone and Android that helps you sign in to your account with two-factor authentication. Authy is the most popular two-factor authentication app on both Apple and Android.
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’s colorful layout makes it 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.
Authy is a free online tool that lets you use your Microsoft account to sign in and access your data.
Scanning QR codes on both apps is simple and fast. Just point the camera towards the QR code and it will automatically scan it.
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.
To protect your phone from being hacked, you’ll need to enter the backup password to decrypt the synchronized keys. This way, even if a hacker manages to steal your phone’s SIM card and use it to access your number, they won’t be able to access your data unless they also know the backup password. So make sure you keep this password safe and never share it with anyone. ..
Microsoft Authenticator works the same way as Apple’s iCloud Keychain. For the time being, the option of backing up 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 up of your 2FA codes.
To get started, go to iCloud Backupup on your iPhone and tap on the blue arrow to the right of the account name. 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.
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
Authy has implemented an option called Allow Multiple Devices. This allows you to register an account with Authy on a 2nd or 3rd device, as long as it is enabled. After you finish setting up your accounts and scanning QR codes, make sure to disable the Allow Multiple Devices option. ..
Hackers cannot install Authy on devices because it is not allowed. You can see a list of registered devices on the same screen. ..
In the case of Microsoft Authenticator, you don’t need a SIM card or an Apple account to use it. If you choose to use your Microsoft account, backups are stored in iCloud instead. This means that 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’s business solution now integrates with the company’s authentication app, allowing users to approve logins with a single tap and receive push notifications without having to enter a code. This also works for 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 out of the mix. ..
Two is a business
Authy has a better user interface 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 in 2FA apps for Windows 10 is the link below. ..
Authy vs Microsoft Authenticator: Comparison and Review: benefits
Faq
Final note
The guide Authy vs Microsoft Authenticator: Comparison and Review provides an in-depth look at the pros and cons of using Authy vs Microsoft Authenticator for online authentication. Authy is a free, open source software that is used by millions of people around the world, while Microsoft Authentica- tor is a well-known and popular product from Microsoft. This guide will provide you with an overview of both products so that you can make a decision which one is right for you.
If you have any queries about the Authy vs Microsoft Authenticator: Comparison and Review, then please ask us through the comment section below or directly contact us. Education: This guide or tutorial is just for educational purposes. Misinformation: If you want to correct any misinformation about the guide, then kindly contact us. Want to add an alternate method: If anyone wants to add more methods to the guide Authy vs Microsoft Authenticator: Comparison and Review, then please contact us. Our Contact: Kindly use our contact page regards any help. You may also use our social and accounts by following us on Whatsapp, Facebook, and Twitter for your questions. We always love to help you. We answer your questions within 24-48 hours (Weekend off). Channel: If you want the latest software updates and discussion about any software in your pocket, then here is our Telegram channel.
