Most web users are accustomed to filling out login forms to access a web account. These login forms usually ask for the username and password of a account. The information entered by the user is then compared to the information in the site’s database and access is only granted if the username and password combination matches the records.
The permanency of the login information can pose a problem, especially on public computers and insecure networking environments. Anyone in possession of the username and password can log into the service.
That’s why PayPal some time ago introduced optional VeriSign Identity Protection Devices. The devices generate a six digit code that is valid for 30 seconds. This code needs to be entered during the PayPal login to get access to the account.
Microsoft has introduced a similar system to Windows Live. Windows Live users can generate so called single-use codes before they log into Windows Live which can be used instead of the password. A single-use code is only valid once making it an ideal password replacement when logging in on public computer systems or insecure networks.
A single-use code is a code you can use instead of your password when you sign in with your Windows Live ID. Each code can be used only one time, but you can request one whenever you need one. If you’re signing in on a public computer—like at the library or school—using a single-use code helps keep your account information secure
The password replacement becomes invalid the second it has been used to log into the Windows Live service. The single-use code is send to a mobile phone number registered in the Windows Live account. Here is how it works.
It begins with the editing of the Windows Live profile to add a mobile phone number to it. Users who already have a mobile phone number configured do not need to do anything.
windows live login
Each Windows Live login form displays a link to use a single-use code instead at the bottom.
Not your computer? Get a single-use code to sign in with
A click on that link opens the Windows Live Single-Use Code login form. Only the Windows Live ID needs to be entered here. A click on Request a code displays a country selector and a form to enter the mobile phone number.
single-use code
The single-use code can only be requested in supported countries. Codes can be send out to United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Canada and about ten additional countries.
It is advised to try sending out a single-use code once to make sure the code gets send properly to the entered mobile phone number.
The Windows Live Single-Use Code can improve the security of Windows Live users, which includes Hotmail, SkyDrive or Windows Messenger tremendously. There is obviously a new risk associated with this as well. All an attacker needs to log into the Windows Live account is the mobile phone of a user who has configured the phone number in the account. Live users need to keep that in mind if they configure the phone number in Windows Live.
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