Enroll in Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

About

Every user will need to complete the initial setup steps to configure Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for their Microsoft 365 account. MFA protects your account from threats such as phishing scams, malicious software, and malicious hackers by requiring a second form of verification along with your password. This MFA specifically applies to university Office365 accounts.

Steps

1. The first step in configuring multi-factor authentication (MFA) is to visit Microsoft’s MFA setup page here: https://aka.ms/MFASetup
2. Once you have logged in, you will see the Additional Security Verification page. This page will allow you to set up the factors that will be used to verify your access when attempting to log in to your account.
3. First, choose your preferred verification method- this is the first method that will be used to verify your identity when you try to log in to your account. Information Technology recommends the setting "App based authentication- notification" option, which is a security app that you will install on your phone.
4. Next, choose how you would like to respond to MFA prompts. Information Technology recommends that you set at least two options, such as the Microsoft Authenticator app and Phone. 
5. Click Save to save your changes. The next time you log in you will be prompted for MFA using the options that you have set up.

Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator App 

1. Click Set up Authenticator app on the Additional Security Verification page, you will be presented with a pop-up of step-by-step instructions to set up the app.
   Note: You will be prompted to scan the QR code during the setup of the mobile application, it is not a link to download the app.

   Please visit the app store for your device to download the app-
   Google Play App Store 
   IPhone App Store

   
    
2. After you have followed the instructions on this pop-up and scanned the QR code using the application, choose Next.
3. Return to your computer and make sure you get the message that says your configuration was successful, and then select Next.
4. The Authenticator app will send a login notification as a test. Select Approve when prompted by the app.
5. You will be prompted to add a mobile device phone number as a backup in case you lose access to the app, input your phone number then select Next to finish the setup.

Setting up a mobile device as your verification method

1. On the Additional security verification page, select Authentication phone from the list, and then type your mobile device phone number.

2. Select Text code to my authentication phone from the Preferred Method area and then select Save.

3. Type the verification code from the text message and then select Verify to finish the setup.