Authenticator from Google and Microsoft: who to favor in USA

Authenticator from Google and Microsoft: who to favor in USA and Canada

2FA authentication includes two factors and is an effective and reliable way to reduce cyber threats. It is because it increases cybersecurity by adding a layer of defense - user identification. It's needed, so hackers will have minimal chances to gain full access to gadgets or get hold of sensitive information.

Today, you can easily download Microsoft Authenticator or use the famous Google Authenticator and particular instruments from other developers ready to offer 2FA solutions. But if we talk objectively, the two tools presented today are considered the best in their segment. And users have a legitimate question - which of these authenticators is better? Is choosing the Microsoft Authenticator app worth it, or is it better to prefer an alternative solution like the Google Authenticator app? Let's answer this question in detail. For this purpose, we will evaluate the capabilities of the two programs, find their common characteristics, and identify the key differences. It will help you draw the necessary conclusions and decide which one to use.

Getting to know Microsoft's solution in United States

Let's start the review with an Authenticator app Microsoft. This specially designed app guarantees an excellent and well-protected two-factor genuine authentication system for customers.

It will be straightforward if you want to set up Microsoft Authenticator in a few simple steps. You can quickly download the solution through Google Play if you have Android or through the iOS App store. The special Authenticator is free to download, so you won't have any problems finding and installing it. Or you can upgrade your Microsoft account and get access to this tool. No matter you choose an effective tool to significantly improve your cyber defense will be at your complete disposal.

But what is Microsoft Authenticator? It is an application from a well-known developer that first became available for customers to download and install in the summer of 2016. Initially, the company offered versions for the most popular mobile OS. As you understand, we are talking about iOS and also the latest Android.

One of the critical capabilities and unique features of the development is the ease of use. You must log in to your web-account, where you will be asked to enter a special 6-digit code. After that, the application will automatically start generating a security password. It works incredibly fast and outperforms alternative solutions in the form of text codes and protection unique passwords that are sent out through email services. You won't have any problems with how to use Microsoft Authenticator on different gadgets.

What are the main features of Google's Authenticator in the USA and Canada?

Authenticator Microsoft for now has a serious competitor, the developer of which is Google. Therefore, it would be logical to ask what is Google Authenticator? It is a particular software solution that provides two-stage additional verification. Users have installed such a tool on their mobile devices since 2010. At the same time, the application is free and helps those who seek to protect accounts from fraudsters and cybercriminals. The app is developed for the same mobile platforms as the main competitor. Therefore, you can easily download the latest Google Authenticator on your iOS or Android gadgets. The choice is yours. It functions perfectly on different sites and services and supports highly effective two-factor step-by-step authentication.

If we talk about how to use Google Authenticator on some devices, everything is as simple as possible. First, log in to your own account using your name and secret password. Then, you will have to enter a one-time unique code. The program automatically creates it and consists of 6 characters. You confirm your identity by entering two access codes, one provided by the password manager. It makes it impossible for a hacker to intercept access to customers' personal PC accounts. Even in that case if someone manages to crack the first password.

The unique Google Authenticator code creator opens additional opportunities for you to protect your personal data and increases the level of protection from the activities of cyber fraudsters on the network. You should definitely take advantage of this opportunity.

General characteristics

When talking about two popular authenticators, it is essential to realize that there are many similarities between them. It makes it difficult for many users to make a final choice.

Both applications are really designed to allow you to access personal accounts with maximum security. It is especially important when viewing and editing sensitive data and critical files. Therefore, let's highlight a few common characteristics of the two programs.

• Versatility of work. In addition to authentication when logging into accounts from Google or Microsoft, these applications help to protect logins to websites, different services, applications, social networks, and email. So, both tools are really very versatile and suitable for solving security problems on different platforms;
• Mobile OS support. Two program solutions are perfectly adapted to work with the famous mobile OS. So it doesn't matter whether you have iOS or Android. Download and installation files of programs are available for any device;
• High standards of protection. Two tools are developed to create unique one-time passwords for access. The built-in system allows you to generate a safe set of symbols that are impossible to predict. Google's algorithm even considers the time of day. It is needed to ensure that the password is unique at all times and under all circumstances. Microsoft has a QR code binding;
• Customer support. The presented solutions provide access to professional support. These services work equally quickly, efficiently, and qualitatively.

Considering the common characteristics, it will be interesting to know how the solutions differ from each other.

Main differences

There are differences between the programs. And some of them can become critical when a user chooses one or another tool for authentication.

• Account Data Recovery. Microsoft Authenticator can quickly back up your personal accounts, which are saved online. If you buy a new gadget you can easily restore all the information. But Google doesn't provide such an option. You will have to re-add all your accounts on a new gadget;
• Access code management. Microsoft has a function to manage the protection codes that are made. So, the user can customize the work of the particular security solutions for several accounts and gadgets that are used simultaneously. Google Authenticator for sure doesn't have this feature;
• Supported devices. Microsoft is a winner here because it works on several devices connected to one account. Google has no such thing to offer.

Conclusion: Who to Favor in America and Canada

The main objective of the two particular authenticators is to use additional high-level security for account handling. And here, they demonstrate equally high efficiency. However, Keyonline24 experts note that the product from Microsoft has a more advanced set of functions and additional features. The main of them is backup and the possibility of synchronization.

The final decision is up to you. Think and compare the presented features and assess how critical they are for you. It will help you make the right choice and take your security to the next level with a unique authenticator.