Microsoft Authenticator
A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation.
5,470 questions
Feedback on Microsoft Authentiator and Accessibility for MFA
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emc3
6
Reputation points
Hoping to get the attention of @Libby Brown - MSFT with Microsoft with this feedback.
I've been coaxing several retired parents into using password managers. I would like to enable MFA for them as well (Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, etc.), but it's too difficult in most cases. There are several issues...
- Eyesight
- Hand-eye coordination and dexterity
- Technical Difficulty - Trouble switching between apps, copying/pasting, etc.
- Over-reliance on cell phones and text messaging.
- Time. The 30 seconds or less that MFA authenticator apps and hardware token generators allow is just too little.
There is a lack of accessibility settings to increase the time that the MFA apps and hardware token generators (for VPN access, etc.). Security is already hard for the "temporarily abled" and "technically abled", we should do a better job and making it more accessible. I believe the last item "Time" is the biggest factor as it magnifies the users' other difficulties. (One of my relatives has Parkinson's which makes it difficult to do anything in 30 seconds.)
Access to a cell phone and text messaging is also an issue. Many accounts still rely solely on text messaging or smartphone apps for MFA. (Incidentally this is why I like that Authy has a desktop app that can be run on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Any thoughts on making a Microsoft Authenticator desktop app or whether the Android version will work in Windows 11?) Many couples or households may still share a single cell phone for various reasons. The expectation that every individual has a cell phone is ignorant and exclusive.