Accounts are part of the unified domain of Outlook, which is the new web based email service of Microsoft. When Hotmail was launched in the nineties, the process of setting a password was not a stringent process. As a result, all one had to do was choose a unique password for their account that was easy to remember.

With time there arose several security concerns for users. Many found their accounts hacked into; this led to the questioning of how the passwords were set and how users needed to make their passwords iron clad so that passwords could not be hacked easily. Over time Microsoft introduced the two step verification process which helps to ensure that account access is more secure for all users and they provide certain information which helps to retrieve passwords in a secure manner even if they are forgotten.

When we talk about the two step verification process it is also called the two factor authentication method or 2FA. This is an advance layer of security that is added to Microdot accounts. It makes it difficult for hacking activities to happen. The two layer authentication process is added to Outlook.com through which all Microsoft account services are covered, including Hotmail.

There are different ways to activate the two step verification process such as:

• Certain additional inputs are required, such as a secondary email address where password reset links can be sent.
• One can get the security codes to bypass their password entry or get verified by registering a phone number that is valid.
• The other way is to download the authenticator app that is a novel feature introduced by Microsoft.
• Once you activate the two step verification process through your account security settings, you will be prompted to enter an additional security code that can be sent as email or a text message. This helps to verify that the person who is logging into your account from another place or device is the authentic or original user.

The authenticator app is a handy feature that helps you overcome the problem of having to remember your password. The app can be installed on your smart phone. In the account security settings, you will get the option to download the app for verification. There are certain steps you need to follow:

• You will be asked to select the device that you are using, whether it is an iPhone, Android or a Windows phone.
• Once you choose the right phone options, you will be given a link for installing the authenticator app.
• A bar code would appear that needs to be scanned and pair your device with it.
• A code would be generated on your device and you can use that to complete the pairing of your device with your account.

When it comes to registering an email account, one will find the field to input the details on the account security setting page. When the email address is keyed in, a verification link is sent to the email address. This needs to be clicked in order to verify that the email address is correctly provided.

The other process is by registering a phone number. This also requires verification. A code is sent as a text message. Once the code is keyed in, the phone number is registered for the two step verification process.

The inputs that are taken in for the two step verification process are also useful for resetting the password of one’s email account. One has the option to choose between getting a code sent to their registered phone number that helps to authenticate the user; the email service, then sends across a reset link to the registered email address. In such ways it is easier and hassle free to change or reset one’s email address as required.