2FA Authentication Apps: Microsoft vs Google

With the increasing severity of cyber threats, passwords are no longer enough to keep your business safe online. Here we dive in which authentication app is safer Microsoft  and Google Authenticator.

2FA Authentication Apps: Microsoft vs Google

Authentication apps offer an extra layer of security making it more difficult for hackers to access your data. Both Microsoft and Google offer free authenticator apps that generate time-based one-time passwords for two-factor authentication (2FA) logins. There are some key differences between the two that are worth considering before deciding which to use.

How do 2FA authenticators Work?

These mobile applications generate time-sensitive codes for two-factor authentication. When you log in to an account, after entering your password, you’ll be prompted to enter a code generated by the authentication app. This ensures that even if someone gets hold of your password, they can’t access your account without the unique code from your app. Because of its time-sensitive nature (codes usually expire within 30-60 seconds) it is very difficult for hackers to exploit.

The process of using an authentication app is simple.

How 2FA Apps Benefit Businesses?

  • Implementing multi-layer forms of verification will significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access
 
  • Using authentication apps will ensure that you are in line with industry specific regulations regarding data safety
 
  • Integration with your existing systems is seamless
 
  • Because authentication apps don’t rely on your phone number, you are protected from SIM swapping attacks, where hackers take control of your phone number and receive your 2FA codes via SMS

Microsoft 2FA

  1. Cloud Backup: Microsoft Authenticator offers cloud backup and restore options. So, if you change your phone, you can restore your accounts easily.
  2. Passwordless Login: it allows you to login into Microsoft accounts without a password, using biometrics: fingerprint or face recognition. Logging in is therefore more secure and easier.
  3. Push Notification: It supports push notifications for Microsoft accounts, where you simply approve the login from your phone instead of typing in a code. This feature is quick and user-friendly.
  4. Additional Features: Password Management, payment card details storage, address management
  5. Data Collection: May log personal usage data but this feature can be turned off
  6. Security and Privacy: App lock, toggle for code visibility, screenshot restriction
  7. Interface: The app is simple and easy to navigate, search bar to find accounts, making it very user-friendly
  8. Autofill Capability: Yes, authenticator can fill in the authentication codes in Microsoft apps and third-party apps that support it

One of the biggest downsides of Microsoft Authenticator is that it is primarily designed to be used with Microsoft accounts although it supports other platforms.

Google 2FA

  1. Cloud Backup: Google Authenticator does not offer cloud backup, so if you change your phone you will need to manually recover or reset 2FA on each account, which can be time-consuming. However, as your sensitive data is not stored in the cloud it is also a safer option.
  2. Passwordless login: is not offered by Google and also lacks other advanced features making it the less advanced app between the two
  3. Data Collection: Personal data collection is not enabled
  4. Additional Features: it is not offered, meaning that you must manually copy and paste the 6-digit code
  5. Google Authenticator does not offer push notifications so you will always have to enter a code.
  6. Security and Privacy: Taking screenshots is prevented
  7. Autofill Capability: No auto-fill

So, which 2FA app is right for you? It really depends on your specific needs. They are both popular choices, but if your business systems heavily situated within the Microsoft ecosystem, then Microsoft Authenticator is probably a better idea. Its cloud backup, passwordless login, and push notifications make it a more advanced option for Microsoft users.

So, which one is right for you? It really depends on your specific needs. They are both popular choices, but if your business systems heavily situated within the Microsoft ecosystem, then Microsoft Authenticator is probably a better idea. Its cloud backup, passwordless login, and push notifications make it a more advanced option for Microsoft users.

However, if you are looking for an authentication app that integrates across multiple platforms and prefer not to have cloud backup, Google Authenticator is better choice. It is a reliable 2FA option but lacks advanced features.

The bottom line is that you really can’t go wrong choosing either one of these 2FA. Consider your usage habits, systems and your team’s preferences before deciding.

To ensure that your organisation is equipped to combat cyber threats book a cyber security meeting with Syn-Star

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Agnes Syn-Star Content writer

Agnes Molnar

Agnes is Syn-Star’s expert content writer, she has  Master’s degree in English Literature that provides a strong foundation in writing and critical thinking of everything she does.

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