Microsoft has made security updates to the Microsoft Authenticator App. To verify your identity you will now use a new “number matching” process This update is required by Microsoft to increase security and reduce accidental approvals. The change is designed to prevent accidental approvals and attacks where users are bombarded with approval requests. The update requires users to enter the 2-digit number displayed on the sign-in screen when approving an MFA request in the Authenticator app. This change only applies to the use of the Microsoft Authenticator App Push Notification option.
Here’s a look at the number matching Microsoft MFA verification process that you’ll see starting May 10th 2023
Step 1:
You get a 2-digit number on the device you’re signing in on, such as a laptop or desktop
Step 2:
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app (on your phone or other device). Enter the 2-digit number
- If you are currently not using the Microsoft Authenticator App for MFA, this new method does not apply to you and your current MFA method will continue to work.
- According to Microsoft, with the addition of number matching, the Authenticator app will no longer work on an Apple Watch. Users who have used an Apple Watch with the Authenticator app in the past will need to authenticate on a different device.