Hey, what answers do you need?
< All Topics
Print

How to setup MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)

Why MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)is a system that verifies a user’s identity at login by requiring multiple forms of credentials such as your password and a trusted device (a phone or tablet). MFA greatly reduces the risk of an account becoming compromised since it is incredibly unlikely for a hacker to access a user’s phone.

Ways to Authenticate

Microsoft offers us a few options for our second factor:

  • text message token
  • phone call token
  • authenticator app, available for iOS and Android devices

Information and Planning strongly encourages everyone to setup the authenticator application as one of the MFA options.  This will allow access via your mobile device when Wi-Fi is available, but phone service is not. This option is especially important while traveling in areas without cellular access.

*Please set-up as many ways to authenticate as you can.

Change or Add an Authentication Method


Install the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device. You can find it by searching the App Store on your device or by visiting:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/account/authenticator

By downloading and using the Authentication App you reduce the issues you may experience while using MFA. The App allows you to receive the code or approval on dedicated device even when the phone number has changed. As long as you have access to Wi-Fi the App and the device is unchanged the App will work.

To begin setup, open an Incognito or Private Browsing Window and navigate to Additional security verification (windowsazure.com)

Microsoft Sign in window

Log in with your College of Wooster email, and you’ll be redirected to our sign-in page to enter your password.

College of Wooster login window

You will be redirected to this page to confirm that you logged in with the correct account. Click Next to continue MFA setup.

You may get the “More information required” alert window, click Next

At the Additional security verification page:

  1. select Mobile app from the dropdown
  2. select use verification code or receive notification for verification 
  3. click the Add Sign-in Method button

Your browser will display directions for configuring your mobile app.

On your mobile device,

  1. open the Microsoft Authenticator app
  2. select Add account
  3. select Work or school account
  4. you will be prompted to scan the QR code on your computer screen which will complete setup on your mobile device.

You will then be prompted to either enter a code from your authenticator, or to Approve your sign-in via a push notification with number entry.

Once the account is added you receive a test
Microsoft has gone to a number entry system

Text or Phone Token

To begin setup, open an Incognito or Private Browsing Window and navigate to https://aka.ms/mfasetup.

Log in with your College of Wooster email, and you’ll be redirected to our sign-in page to enter your password.

Microsoft Sign in window
College of Wooster login window

You will be redirected to this page to confirm that you logged in with the correct account. Click Next to continue MFA setup.

More info screen shot
Window stating that “More information is required”

At the Additional security verification page:

  1. select Authentication phone from the dropdown
  2. enter your telephone number
  3. for Method, select either text message or phone call
  4. click the Next button

After clicking Next, Microsoft will begin to set up your account for MFA and will send a text or initiate a phone call to deliver your token.

Enter the code provided and click Verify to complete your setup. You will now be prompted for a code the next time you log in.

Logging in with MFA

Begin by signing in like normal using your College credentials. After clicking Sign in, you will be redirected to complete your second authentication:

College of Wooster login window

For users utilizing notifications, you will see the following screen and receive a notification on your phone to allow your log in. 

NEVER click Allow if you were not the one to initiate the log-in. Contact the Help Desk and change your password immediately:

Approve sign-in window

All other users will be greeted with this screen. You will be prompted via your preferred method (text, phone call, or authenticator app) to enter your temporary token.

If you cannot use your Authenticator App, you can choose another option.
If you cannot use your Authenticator App, you can choose another option.

Need to Change Your Two-Factor Authentication Method

If you want to change your second authentication factor, add the authentication application or add an additional phone, please visit this link to make the change.

Troubleshooting

Microsoft provides several troubleshooting solutions:

Common problems with two-factor verification and your work or school account

Minimizing classroom disruptions from MFA
Need to Change Your Two-Factor Authentication

Table of Contents