Microsoft Hotmail - Security Enhancements will be implemented this week

Microsoft will be strengthening security controls for it's free Hotmail service this week.

Microsoft Hotmail Security Enhancements Coming
http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/Microsoft-Hotmail-Security-Enhancements-Coming-313851/

QUOTE: Microsoft said it is delivering security changes to Hotmail users this week, including new user identity proofs and detection capabilities meant to thwart account hijacking. Microsoft has begun rolling out new security features for Hotmail users today centered around preventing and detecting account compromises. Once they arrive, the changes will include both new proofs for user authentication as well as detection capabilities meant to identify hijacked accounts.

In the area of proofs, users will be able to add a “Trusted PC” to associate with their Hotmail account. If an account is compromised, all a victim needs to do to reclaim their account is to login from their trusted machine. Cell phones can be used as proofs as well, with Microsoft sending a code via SMS message to allow users to reset their passwords.  “Account proofs are like a spare key to your account,” Lewis said. “If you set them up in advance, in the unlikely event that you forget your password or someone hijacks your account you can use them to “prove” that you are the rightful owner and kick out the hijacker.”