Today Microsoft announced Active Authentication – that’s the code name for a new Windows Azure service that will enable enterprises to secure employee, partner and customer access to cloud applications with multi-factor authentication.
“Starting today, companies can enable multi-factor authentication for Windows Azure Active Directory identities to help secure access to Office 365, Windows Azure, Windows Intune, Dynamics CRM Online and many other apps that are integrated with Windows Azure AD,” Sarah Fender, a director in Windows Azure, writes in a post on the Windows Azure Blog. “Developers can also use the Active Authentication SDK to build multi-factor authentication into their custom applications and directories.”
Fender says that active authentication works by adding an extra step to the sign in process. After a user enters their username and password, they are required to also authenticate with the Active Authentication app on their mobile device or via an automated phone call or text message. This helps prevent unauthorized access to data and applications in the cloud – reducing the risk of a breach and enabling regulatory compliance.
“Active Authentication is built on the industry-leading PhoneFactor service which Microsoft acquired last fall,” Fender says. “It offers the strong security your company requires, yet is super easy to set up, manage and use.”
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