Microsoft Entra ID Improves Security with MFA via WhatsApp

Microsoft takes security authentication to the next level with groundbreaking integration. Microsoft Entra ID will soon introduce a feature to deliver multifactor authentication (MFA) text messages via WhatsApp. This move is in line with the current trend of companies worldwide harnessing the power of popular apps such as WhatsApp to optimize their services.

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Current MFA Functionality.

Currently, the Microsoft Entra ID Multifactor Authentication feature uses text messages to send one-time passwords (OTPs). Users receive these messages in the default messaging app on their Android and iOS devices. To complete the verification process, one must enter this OTP on the login page.

New Integration: MFA via WhatsApp

Starting in September, Microsoft Entra ID customers will begin receiving Multifactor Authentication text messages via WhatsApp. Here, it is essential to emphasize that only users who are activated to receive MFA text messages and already have WhatsApp on their phones will benefit from this experience. As Microsoft stated, “The first users will receive the update by mid-October, but further rollout is expected to take a longer period of time. In addition, the sending agent in WhatsApp where users see the OTPs will be branded as Microsoft with a verified checkmark.”

Expansion of WhatsApp Verification Support

At launch, the new WhatsApp MFA message authentication support is only available to business customers in India, Indonesia and New Zealand. However, Microsoft has plans to extend this support to other countries in October or November. At the same time, IT administrators have the ability to block this functionality by disabling text messages as an authentication method in their tenants.

Conclusion

The integration of Microsoft Entra ID with WhatsApp marks an important step in the evolution of digital security authentication. By harnessing the power of WhatsApp, Microsoft is offering its users a streamlined, modern and efficient way to authenticate.