Multifactor Authentication FAQ and Walkthrough

FAQ’s 

What is Multifactor Authentication?

Multifactor Authentication (also referred to as “MFA”, “2 Factor Authentication”, and/or “2FA”) is an authentication method that requires a user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application/online account. MFA is a core component of a strong cybersecurity/compliance policy. Rather than just asking for a username and password, MFA requires one or more additional verification factors, which decreases the likelihood of a successful cyberattack.

What will change? What do I need to do?

By setting up MFA, we are adding an extra layer of security to your Microsoft O365 account sign-in. For example, you will first enter your username and password and, when prompted, you will type a dynamically generated verification code that is sent to an app on your smart mobile device (such as a tablet/iPad/computer). The setup process includes adding the Microsoft Authenticator Mobile App as your primary verification method.

Setting up MFA with the Microsoft Authenticator app

1. On the Additional security verification page, select Mobile app from the Step 1: How should we contact you area.
2. Select Receive notifications for verification from the How do you want to use the mobile app area, and then select Set up. Click Next.

The Configure mobile app page appears. For you to scan with your phone.

Notes: 

• iPhone users may have to enable the camera in Settings to scan.
• If you cannot use your phone camera, you will have to manually enter the 9-digit code and the URL.

1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app (Android download)(iPhone download), select Add account from the Customize and control icon in the upper-right, and then select Work or school account. 

Note: 
If you receive a prompt asking whether to allow the app to access your camera (iOS),
or to allow the app to take pictures and record video (Android), 
Select Allow so the authenticator app can access your camera to take a picture of the QR code in the next step. If you do not allow the camera, you can still set up the authenticator app as described in Manually add an account to the app.

*It’s important to note that no more than 5 devices can be authenticated on the same account.

1. Return to your computer and the Additional security verification page, 
2. Make sure you get the message that says your configuration was successful, and then select Next.
3. The Microsoft Authenticator app will send a notification to your mobile device as a test. On your mobile device, select Approve.