Multi-Factor Authentication - First Time Setup

Tags Security mfa

Introduction

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a term used to describe a secondary means to verify your identity for authentication.  This second factor uses something you own (such as a phone) and something you know (a password) to prove your true identity.  Below are the directions to set up the Office 365 MFA configuration.  For troubleshooting information, click here.

Contents

Setting up the MFA App

1.

Open a browser, navigate to https://myaccount.microsoft.com and log in with your email address and password.

2.

Once you have successfully logged into your Account, the MFA setup configuration process will begin, and the page below will appear.  Click the Next button to begin.

3.

You will need to select a primary and backup authentication method.  The default authentication method is the Microsoft Authenticator App. 

  • From your mobile device, open your device's App Store and search for the Microsoft Authenticator app.  Install the app from the store.
  • From the computer, click the Next button on this screen and the Next button on the following screen.  A screen should be displayed with an image of a QR code.
  • From your mobile device, open the Microsoft Authenticator app and select the option to Scan a QR code.  If that option is unavailable, you may need to choose Add Work or School Account.
     
  • Point your mobile device's camera to the computer screen to scan the displayed QR code.
  • Once the Account has been added to your mobile device, click Next on the computer to verify that everything is configured correctly.
  • An activation request will be sent to your phone.  Please click Approve on your mobile device to complete the setup.
  • Click Next to complete the Microsoft Authenticator app for the first time.
4. Next, select the Setup button under the Phone heading.
  • Enter your country code and phone number with the area code.
  • We recommend you select the Text me a code option, then press Next.
  • A text will be sent to your phone containing a PIN code.  Enter that PIN code on the following prompt on your computer and press Done.

5

Once you have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your mobile device and mobile number configured, your Account is set up for MFA.  Click Next to continue.

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For instructions on setting up the additional Multi-Factor Authentication options, please visit the What is the Additional verification page?  This page provides essential information and details about other authentication methods that you can set up.  Also, you can visit the Microsoft Account page to get further information on your security settings.

 

Check or Change your MFA Settings

1.

Open a browser, navigate to https://myaccount.microsoft.com and log in with your email address and password.

2.

Log in using your NetID email address and password.

3.

Choose Security info from the left-hand column.

4.

Under Security info, you want to check a few settings:

  • Default sign-in method:
    Ideally, the selection here should be Microsoft Authenticator – notification.  The only valid methods that function for multi-factor authentication are:
    • Microsoft Authenticator – notification
    • Microsoft Authenticator – OTP (OTP for one-time passcode)
    • Phone – text *Phone calls function currently, but the feature is being retired.
  • Your Listed Methods
    Multi-factor authentication requires you to set up a phone number or the authentication app for verification.  You may also see your personal email address in the list if you have set this up previously.  Email is only available for a self-service password reset and not multi-factor authentication.

Next, select the Setup button under the Phone heading.

  • Enter your country code and phone number with the area code.
  • We recommend you select the Text me a code option, then press Next.
  • A text will be sent to your phone containing a PIN code.  Enter that PIN code on the following prompt on your computer and press Done.

5.

You can delete any method listed if it no longer applies to you.  Additionally, you can change the number listed in your Phone option.

 

6.

If you need to add a method, choose + Add method.  You will be presented with a drop-down box of the available methods that can be added.  Choose your desired method and select Add.

  • Authenticator App: The Microsoft Authenticator app is available in the App Store or the Google Play Store.  You will download this app to your mobile device (cell phone or tablet you carry with you daily).  You can set up multiple mobile devices with the app.
  • Alternate phone: If you already have a phone number listed, you will be presented with this alternate phone option.  You can only receive a phone call for authentication on an alternate phone number.
  • Email: Setting up email will only allow you to recover a forgotten password, and it can not be used for multi-factor authentication purposes.  When setting up an email, please enter a non-HCC email address.
  • Security questions: Setting up security questions will only allow you to recover a forgotten password and cannot be used for multi-factor authentication purposes.

7.

If you choose the Authenticator app, you will first need to download the Microsoft Authenticator app to your mobile device.  While the app is installing on your mobile device, on your PC, you will select Next through the following two prompts and stop displaying a QR code at the prompt.

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Details

Article ID: 129615
Created
Sun 3/7/21 8:13 AM
Modified
Wed 8/3/22 12:47 PM

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