Technologies

Doing these 5 things can help you lock down your Microsoft 365 account and keep hackers at bay

Even the US government isn’t immune to hackers compromising its Microsoft Office software. This is how to protect your own Microsoft apps and accounts.

Earlier this year, news broke that foreign hackers had for months been secretly monitoring email accounts and communications between US government officials in charge of identifying foreign threats to national security. The attackers executed their intrusion through malicious code in an IT product called SolarWinds, which allowed them to access the network and break into Microsoft’s email client.

Microsoft released guidance for how organizations can bolster security to attempt to avoid these attacks, and said that it has not identified any Microsoft product vulnerabilities.

There may not be much you can do about the SolarWinds vulnerability or others like it. But if you get your work or personal email through Outlook on Microsoft 365, there are ways to better secure your individual account and avoid hacks. (If you use Windows 10, there are also several security defaults that you can change to better protect your device — many of which will also be available in the upcoming Windows 11.)

Here are five ways to lock down your Microsoft account.

Read more: How to get Microsoft 365 for free

1. Set up multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication is the best way to protect yourself from someone stealing your login credentials, according to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Basically, it adds an extra layer of security to your account sign-in — for example, you enter your password along with a verification code sent to your phone or provided by an authenticator app.

To set up multifactor authentication (also called two-step verification), go to the security basics page, and sign in with your Microsoft account. Select More security options. Under Two-step verification, choose Set up two-step verification to turn it on and get further instructions.

To set it up on a work Microsoft 365 account, your administrator will have to enable it. Once that’s done, when you sign in with your username and password, you’ll be prompted for more information. Click Next.

The default authentication method is to use the free Microsoft Authenticator app, which you can download on your mobile device. This app gives you a unique code to enter that expires after a certain amount of time.

Or, if you’d rather get a code through SMS message, you can choose «I want to set up a different method.» Microsoft will ask for your mobile number, and send you a text with a six-digit code to verify your account.

2. Protect your password

Never use the same password for multiple accounts. There are lots of great password managers available to help you keep track of all your passwords, including the free LastPass. You should also choose a strong password — one that avoids using common words and is at least eight characters long. Check out our other recommendations for choosing a strong password here.

3. Avoid phishing scams

If you get an email about the security of your Microsoft account, it could be a phishing scam — a type of attack where hackers impersonate a company or someone you know to trick you into revealing personal information like passwords or credit card numbers. These emails often include a link to a malicious website, which you should never click.

The best way to avoid these emails is to know how to spot them — they might have misspelled words, be from a slightly misspelled source (like microsoftsupport.ru or micros0ft.com) or include an urgent call to take action or avoid a threat. If anything looks suspicious, just delete it, or report it by forwarding it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at phishing-report@us-cert.gov.

4. Protect your apps

On your phone or desktop, only install and run apps from legitimate sources, like the app store for your device. If you’re using Microsoft 365, using Microsoft apps to access those accounts is the most secure choice, according to the company. You should also make sure all apps as well as your operating system are up to date — many updates you get are security fixes, so be sure to install them quickly.

5. Make it easy to recover your account

You can set up your account to make it easy to recover in case all else fails and you do get hacked. To do that, go to the Microsoft security basics page, and add in all the information, like your email address and phone number. Make sure you keep this information up to date to keep your account safer.

For more, check out our security tips if you’re still running Windows 7, how to download Windows 10 free and how to download Windows 11 free.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Launches an AI Mini-Series

Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.

The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.

Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.

The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.

Stay tuned for more.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You

Verum has officially launched Verum Finance, an innovative financial application that transforms a private messenger into a true financial super app. News of the launch was also featured on the respected platform Dealroom.co.

Verum Finance can now be used both within Verum Messenger and as a standalone application for iPhone and iPad. When users sign in to Verum Finance with their Verum Messenger account, all balances, settings, and account data are automatically synchronized for maximum convenience.

Users can now do more than communicate securely and protect their data — they can also generate passive income directly within the ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

• Top up your balance with a bank card, Apple Pay, or USDT
• Send money instantly anywhere in the world
• Issue and manage debit cards (virtual and physical)
• Full Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds quickly

One of the most unique features is the built-in cryptocurrency mining system inside Verum Messenger.

The application utilizes your device’s resources and allows you to earn cryptocurrency in the background — passively, while chatting, traveling, or simply using the messenger.

Maximum Privacy + Real Freedom

• Registration without a phone number, email address, or passport
• End-to-end encryption and full control over your data
• Lifetime free VPN
• eSIM connectivity in more than 150 countries
• Reliable offline communication mode
• Support for 12+ languages for users worldwide

Everything is available in one place: secure communication, financial tools, earning opportunities, and privacy protection.

Users can access the full experience directly within Verum Messenger or switch to the dedicated Verum Finance app for iOS. All data is synchronized automatically between the two applications.

Why Download Verum Today

While many messaging platforms collect user data and expose users to restrictions, Verum offers greater independence and the opportunity to earn.

With a one-time purchase of the feature package, users receive lifetime access to privacy tools, VPN, eSIM services, cryptocurrency mining, and financial features.

This is more than just a messenger.

It is your personal tool for financial and digital freedom.

Download Verum Finance and Verum Messenger today — start communicating securely and begin earning tomorrow.

Download Links:

→ App Store (iPhone / iPad): Verum Finance
→ App Store (Verum Messenger): Verum Messenger

Technologies

Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger

Verum Finance has announced the launch of a new financial application that allows users to manage their money directly within the secure Verum Messenger ecosystem.

The project has already attracted attention from major media outlets. A dedicated feature was published by Forbes Türkiye, while one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC, covered the launch. Yahoo Finance had previously reported on the evolution of Verum Messenger into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

Verum Finance transforms a messenger into a complete financial platform. Users can:

• Manage their balance and top up using bank cards or USDT
• Send money instantly to other Verum users
• Issue and use debit cards, including Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds
• Access all these services without installing separate banking applications

A strong emphasis is placed on privacy. The platform offers registration without a phone number or email address, end-to-end encryption, and full user control over personal data.

Recognition from Forbes Türkiye

In a dedicated article, Forbes Türkiye highlighted Verum Finance as a notable example of modern privacy-driven fintech. The publication emphasized the growing trend of financial services moving from standalone banking applications into unified messaging ecosystems — a model that has proven successful in Asia through platforms such as WeChat and Alipay and is now expanding globally.

Support from the Crypto Community

Alongside the Forbes Türkiye coverage, news about the launch of Verum Finance was also featured by MEXC, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This reflects growing interest in the project from both traditional business media and the cryptocurrency community.

A Strategic Vision

“We are building more than a payments application and more than a messenger. Verum is a unified secure ecosystem where communication, finance, and privacy tools work together,” the company stated.

Verum Finance is now available for iPhone and iPad users. The application complements Verum Messenger, which offers anonymous chats, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, and other tools designed to enhance digital freedom.

Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im

Verum Messenger: https://verum.im