Microsoft ramps up security in Hotmail

Single-use login codes and SSL

Microsoft is ramping up the security of Hotmail in its latest evolution. Improvements include:

-- New account security information to help users regain access to accounts when passwords have been lost or the accounts taken over by malicious operators. These measures include account recapture codes sent via SMS messages.

-- Single-use (one-time) codes that can be used to log into Hotmail accounts on public networks to prevent the loss of login information to sniffers. The codes can be sent to alternate email accounts or mobile phones.

-- Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encrypted login and complete sessions

-- Trusted sender logos: pictures that will appear next to legitimate senders (such as banks.)

See “Security Investments in the New Hotmail” at the end of the blog entry “What's new in Hotmail”

Tom Kelchner