I changed my Microsoft password yesterday and that means that when you have multiple computers like I do, it needs to be updated on other computers.
Now interestingly on the computer it asked for me to update it, but since it knew that my Microsoft identity had a pass code it asked me to verify the pass code with the QR code. So I used the camera just like I login to work now, and it verified and I was off to the races. So much better than having to type a long and complex password.
Now Microsoft Defender wanted my attention next. It popped up front and center showing me that it could do new things. I did some of the things it suggested and then it offered that it could do free identity monitoring. Sure why not? I started to put in my personal information like Social Security number, personal information and then it stopped at my address. It said it couldn’t verify my present address where I had lived for a year. Ok, it then prompted me for a former address. It couldn’t verify that either. Well Experian knows my current and former address and this was clearly the service it said it partnered with.
So in frustration I closed the wizard window and then went to start my day. Imagine my surprise when Microsoft Defender shows me the 7 sites that compromised my identity. I had known that from the past since they were several years old, but for the average persons this could be very useful to have ongoing monitoring of that. In fact Microsoft has recommended that companies do dark web monitoring of user identities and alerting when there is a problem. Fortunately products like 1Password do this, which is why I knew about it and why I wasn’t concerned.
I have locked my credit a long time ago so that makes me feel more confident that nothing bad will happen. At least its my hope.