Microsoft’s two-factor authentication is similar to that used by Google and Dropbox, a report says. Microsoft acquired PhoneFactor last fall, which had technology that looks like what was described by LiveSide. Certain apps won’t work with Microsoft’s authentication scheme, but some will have to generate an application password from a Microsoft website. Analyst: “There’s definitely some truth to it,” but it’s a good direction for security-conscious users. It remains to be seen if the practice will be widely adopted by merchants and consumers.”]