The 2-factor authentication app from Microsoft, Microsoft Authenticator, has a new update rolling out that brings a slightly refreshed look to the app as well as compliance with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) directive in the European Union. The new update is version 6.2.26 for those keeping score at home and it has been released to the Play Store.
As for the new look, it is a slight one compared to the older version of the app. Now an account is shaded grey if it isn’t setup for identify verification and is only used to access organizational resources.
In addition to the UI and GDPR updates, Microsoft took the opportunity to perform some battery optimization updates and fixes to the app too. I personally never found it to be much of a battery consumer on my Pixel XL but nevertheless, there are some optimizations in this update.
Microsoft Authenticator for Android
As you would expect, the Microsoft Authenticator app is a free download in the Play Store. Once you have it downloaded, you can go to your various accounts and configure 2-factor authentication for additional security or, if you already have it setup, you can migrate from your existing authenticator app to Microsoft’s app.
Regardless of if you use Microsoft’s app, Google’s or another developers, readers are strongly encouraged to enabled 2-factor on all their accounts for the additional security it brings.
