Forum Discussion
MS Authenticator app feature request: export to file / import from file
I really enjoy using the authenticator app, but I'm worrying about my phone getting stolen and losing access to all of the accounts associated with it. I see there is a cloud backup feature, but ...
Ohh ok, I thought you are referring to it as a means of migration.
Backups or means of account recovery are typically handled at the account level by means of Backup/Recovery codes and solutions of a similar kind, per account. I'm not aware of a solution that exists at an app level that would encompass all of your accounts. These auth solutions are app permission at the account level, after all.
Backups or means of account recovery are typically handled at the account level by means of Backup/Recovery codes and solutions of a similar kind, per account. I'm not aware of a solution that exists at an app level that would encompass all of your accounts. These auth solutions are app permission at the account level, after all.
Ah that makes sense. Recovery provided on the account level would work.
Unfortunately not all services offer them. I started out by looking at Paypal, who don't offer backup codes. Just now I came across 3 pages of users complaining about it: https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/Managing-Account/Backup-codes/td-p/1812619/page/3
I suppose we can't blame the MS Authenticator app if the services don't properly implement backup codes...
Unfortunately not all services offer them. I started out by looking at Paypal, who don't offer backup codes. Just now I came across 3 pages of users complaining about it: https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/Managing-Account/Backup-codes/td-p/1812619/page/3
I suppose we can't blame the MS Authenticator app if the services don't properly implement backup codes...
- Sure.
I do agree that most of these solutions are lacking in what should be basic feature sets to both migrate and recover from the obvious "accidentally loss, or damage of a mobile device".
However, one has to consider the balance of security vs. convenience, as if you make it very convenient to get access to sensitive information and create backdoors on this level of app, you are opening the doors to the whole castle for a would be malicious person.