<p>There have been hints for the past week-plus -- courtesy of Liveside.net -- that Microsoft was poised to roll out two-factor authentication for its Microsoft Accounts. On April 17, Microsoft did just that.</p><p>Microsoft is calling this security process "two-step verification." Microsoft is making available two-step verification across all products and services accessible via a Microsoft Account. This includes Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox, Outlook.com, SkyDrive, Office and more. The rollout will be happening over the "next couple of days," according to the company.</p><p>(Microsoft Account is the new name for Microsoft's Live IDs.)</p><p>Two-factor authentication is aimed at reducing the likelihood of online identity theft, phishing and other scams because the victim's password would no longer be enough to give a thief access to their information. Apple, PayPal, Google, Facebook and other vendors already have implemented two-factor authentication.</p><p><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-rolling-out-two-factor-authentication-across-its-product-line-7000014162/">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://readwrite.com/2013/04/18/microsoft-profits-revenue-up-but-where-are-the-win8-license-numbers">Microsoft Profits Are Up, But Its Outlook For Windows May Be Down</a> (ReadWrite)</p><p><a href="http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57580180-285/how-to-use-two-step-verification-with-your-microsoft-account/">How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account</a> (CNET (blog))</p><p><a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/microsoft-expected-to-post-sales-earnings-gain-2013-04-18">Microsoft expected to post sales, earnings gain</a> (MarketWatch)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dyF0XSCEwidl3fMC66xjtDLTV4nNM&ned=us">434 additional articles.</a></p>