Q: Last week, I received an email from Microsoft requesting that I verify my account and provide another e-mail address where I could receive alerts, re: suspicious activity on my account. I confirmed my old phone number and entered an alternate email. My personal information appeared. I was unable to change anything. I received a message that the site could not process my request at this time. Have I been had?
— Carl Douhan
A: These types of requests from e-mail providers, financial institutions and other online services are becoming more common in the wake of high-profile security breaches. As long as you didn’t enter information into a third-party website, your account should be fine. If you’re not sure, I would recommend changing your password and perhaps setting up two-step verification, which may require you to enter an updated phone number. The second step often involves the user receiving a code via text message and entering that number into the computer to verify their identity before accessing the account.
