Microsoft Authenticator is an android application for two-step verification that replaces the Microsoft Account application. Similar to Google Authenticator, users must scan a special code with their mobile device's camera to gain access to a secured area on their phones. While this may seem like a rather cumbersome procedure, it is an extremely effective security measure that protects all of your personal data from ever getting into the wrong hands and makes your personal information as safe as possible.
Microsoft Authenticator works similar to Google Authenticator in that users must be online in order to scan the code on their phone, however, in many ways it works in a very unique manner. Unlike Google, Microsoft requires the user to download an application to their phone. This application can be downloaded for free or purchased, either way, it is considered completely safe and secure and never needs a password in order to use.
Once downloaded, the phone's storage space will only be used to store the application and no other information is ever stored on the phone. When your phone is switched on, it starts searching for the most recent application on its memory and starts scanning all of the QR Codes from that application in order to get to an area where it will upload all of the data that it needs. This allows you to login to your Microsoft Authenticator account from any computer that has internet access and is on the same network. You do not even need to carry your authenticator with you when you use your phone, simply downloading the application will allow you to login and store your security details wherever you are.
