Using Microsoft Authenticator on personally owned devices
In today’s digital age, securing work accounts is more important than ever, especially with the growing number of cyber threats. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has proven to be one of the most effective ways to protect sensitive data. By requiring an additional form of verification—beyond just a password—MFA strengthens security significantly. At Cobalt Housing, one of the simplest and most secure methods for implementing MFA is by using a personally owned device, such as your smartphone, to verify your identity.
Here’s why using your personal device for MFA offers significant advantages for both employees and Cobalt Housing:
1. Enhanced Security
Passwords on their own are no longer sufficient to protect sensitive information, as they can be easily compromised through phishing or hacking attempts. A personally owned device used for MFA adds a vital extra layer of security. Even if a malicious actor gains access to your password, they would still need physical access to your personal device to complete the login process.
This dual-layer of authentication makes it highly unlikely for an unauthorised user to breach your account, ensuring the safety of Cobalt Housing’s data.
2. Familiarity and Ease of Use
Using your own device for MFA means you don’t need to learn a new system or carry extra authentication hardware. Apps like Microsoft Authenticator are designed to be straightforward and easy to use, making the process as seamless as possible.
More importantly, installing Microsoft Authenticator on your personal device has no downsides. The app is designed purely for authentication—it does not allow Cobalt Housing’s IT team any access to your personal data, settings, or applications. Its sole function is to verify your identity when accessing work accounts, meaning there is no impact on your personal privacy or control over your phone.
3. Zero Control by Cobalt Housing IT
One of the key benefits of using your personal device for MFA at Cobalt Housing is that our IT team has no control over your device. The Microsoft Authenticator app works in isolation, purely to facilitate the authentication process. There’s no intrusion into your personal apps, files, or settings, and no ability for the IT team to monitor or manage your phone.
This ensures a clear boundary between your personal life and work requirements, while still allowing you to meet Cobalt Housing’s security standards.
4. Privacy Protection
Since Cobalt Housing has no control over your personal device, your privacy remains intact. Unlike corporate-owned devices, which may be subject to monitoring, your personal device is untouched by any organisational policies. The MFA app does not require access to your personal information beyond generating authentication codes or push notifications when you log into your work accounts.
This guarantees that your personal activities, data, and settings are private, giving you complete peace of mind while still contributing to Cobalt Housing’s security measures.
5. Increased Convenience
Most of us carry our phones with us at all times, making them the most convenient tool for MFA. Rather than relying on additional hardware tokens or company-issued devices, your personal smartphone is always accessible, allowing you to authenticate your work accounts from anywhere—whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go.
With simple push notifications or quick verification codes, MFA becomes faster than entering a password, making your work experience smoother and more efficient.
6. Cost-Effectiveness for Cobalt Housing
From Cobalt Housing’s perspective, allowing staff to use their personal devices for MFA is not only secure but also cost-effective. There’s no need to issue or maintain extra hardware, such as security tokens or company phones. This reduces costs for the organisation and simplifies the workload for the IT department, which no longer has to support or manage additional devices.
7. No Impact on Device Performance
MFA apps, including Microsoft Authenticator, are lightweight and do not interfere with the performance of your phone. They use minimal resources and won’t affect the functionality or speed of any other applications you use. This means you can install the app without worrying about it impacting your phone’s battery life, storage, or performance.
8. Supports Remote Work Flexibility
In an increasingly flexible work environment, using your personal device for MFA offers the freedom to work securely from anywhere. Whether you’re working remotely, from home, or while travelling, your smartphone allows you to authenticate your work accounts wherever you are. This ensures that security does not get in the way of your productivity or flexibility at Cobalt Housing.
9. Lower Risk of Losing the Device
Since employees tend to be more mindful of their personal phones than company-issued devices, the risk of losing your authentication device is greatly reduced. Moreover, personal smartphones are often secured with PINs, fingerprint scans, or other biometric locks, adding an extra layer of protection in case your phone is lost or stolen.
Additionally, most modern smartphones come with built-in tracking and remote wipe features, giving you peace of mind if the unexpected happens.
10. Real-Time Security Alerts
Using your personal device for MFA provides an extra layer of vigilance. MFA apps, such as Microsoft Authenticator, send real-time notifications when there’s an authentication attempt. If you receive an alert for a login you didn’t initiate, you can deny access immediately, preventing potential breaches and keeping your work account secure.
Using a personally owned device for MFA at Cobalt Housing is a secure and convenient solution. It offers stronger protection against unauthorised access while remaining entirely unobtrusive. Installing Microsoft Authenticator has no downsides, as it doesn’t impact your device’s privacy or performance, and the IT department at Cobalt Housing has zero control over your personal device.
By adopting this approach, Cobalt Housing strengthens its security while providing staff with a flexible, efficient, and user-friendly way to protect work accounts. It’s the perfect balance between personal privacy and organisational security.