Microsoft have announced security improvements for Hotmail.
The security of Hotmail will be enhanced by full session SSL encryption (this protects email as it travels between a users browsers and Hotmail’s servers) prior to this SSL was only available to users when they were logging in.
Microsoft also plan to add a brand new feature to Hotmail called ‘proofs’ ‘Proofs’ will allow users to associate their Hotmail account with a PC or mobile phone. If a user forgets their password or it is stolen they will receive a new password from Microsoft via text message.
Hotmail users who habitually sign in from public computers will be able to request a password is sent to an alternative email address or to a mobile phone number, this could help prevent passwords being stolen if the public computer is infected with malware.
Microsoft are also including a feature called ‘trusted senders’ which will prevent users from falling for malware and phishing attacks. Microsoft aims to visually identify legitimate email messages sent from banks and financial institutions which are regularly spoofed by cyber criminals. A safety logo will appear beside genuine messages.
Other sites such as Google have recently instigated similar changes.