The email service was launched at a time when people were new to the concept of using an email service that was based on the World Wide Web. Indeed, at such a time email accounts were linked to internet subscription services. With it and other services like Yahoo, the concept of free email services was introduced to the world. Hotmail was launched and made available through localized domains across the world.

At the time when it was introduced, the account opening was a simple process. The dangers of internet hacking and spamming activities were not given much thought. Hence, the security of accounts comprised of the following:

• People had to choose a unique username and password for their account; there were hardly any stringent norms in setting password for accounts.
• The password recovery process was simpler and it comprised of being provided the old password back for re-use.

The above points showcase how security settings were low for account users. As the service continued and people enjoyed the ease of opening up new accounts with email, they also came across issues of unfiltered spam mails cluttering their inbox; many also found their accounts being hacked into easily.

As Microsoft acquired the company and made it part of the MSN service, the password setting terms were also changed to make it more difficult for accounts to be hacked easily. The option to stay logged in one’s account remained but users were also advised to do so only when using a dedicated computer or mobile device.

Microsoft consolidated and made several changes in the domain along with its other web based services. As spamming and hacking threats and reports continued, it was realized that the accounts had to be made more secure and for that the following steps were taken:

• Emails that came into user accounts were subjected to filtration to reduce harmful spam and virus infested mails from entering the mail server systems.
• Users were asked to choose a password for their accounts that would be at least eight characters long, combination of alphanumeric characters, case differences and special characters as well.
• Users were asked to change their password over time and to enter additional information in the security settings of their account that included a choice of two security questions and answers.
• The two step verification process was introduced; this included adding an alternate email address, phone number in the security settings of one’s account. The two step verification process would be activated if one tried to access their account from a different device or location.
• Microsoft also makes provision of bypassing the password entry requirement by the authenticator application. This comprises of a security code that is sent to the user’s phone and automatically verifies the login for the user.

The above steps are some ways that Microsoft has helped ensure a more secure inbox experience for the users. Today, mail users can securely log into their account from anywhere; they can use their account simultaneously from any device or any location. The option to stay logged in once one key in their username and password makes it easy for one to access their email account. At the same time, the two step verification process comes on when one tries to log into their account from a new device or location. When one has difficulty remembering their account password, there are multiple ways to recover or reset the same.

The above steps allow users to have a secure email and inbox experience with it that has come under the Outlook web based email service of Microsoft.