Audience
Students and Employees
Question:
What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and where is it used?
Answer
MFA is a common but effective security tool to help keep your BSU/NTC account and information safe, adding an additional layer of protection using more than one verification method (such as only using a password), thus preventing cybercriminals, hackers, and “bad actors” from gaining access to your account.
MFA will first be used when logging into Microsoft Office 365, which includes Outlook (email), Word (papers, letters, etc.), Excel (spreadsheets), and PowerPoint (presentations), One Drive (file storage), and so much more.
MFA Methods
You can choose from several MFA options and can use different options in different situations, depending on what is most convenient for you. The type of handshake, or knock, you choose can have an impact on how and where your account can be used. So we want you to be well informed before you decide which method is best for you.
Option 1: Authentication Phone – (Call or text a phone number)
Call me If you select the Phone Call method, you are setting up your MFA authentication to call you when you want to authenticate. It is recommended to use a mobile phone that you always have with you, so you can authenticate no matter where you are located. You will need to be able to access the phone during configuration. You will also enter a backup phone number that will be used if the first phone number is not answered or goes to voicemail.
Send me a code by text message If you select the text message method, you are setting up your MFA authentication to send you a text message with a 6-digit code to use when you authenticate. It is recommended to use a mobile phone that you always have with you, so you can authenticate no matter where you are located. You will need to be able to access the phone during configuration. You will also enter a backup phone number that will be used if the first phone number is not answered or goes to voicemail.
Option 2: Call My Office Phone – (Call my desk phone)
Your BSU/NTC office phone number will be pre-populated in the additional security verification page. This option does require that you are near your office phone during authentication into Office 365. Your office phone will receive a phone call and you will be prompted to accept or deny your login.
Option 3: Mobile App – (Microsoft Authenticator App) – Best User Experience
Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator App – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/account/authenticator
Receive notifications for verification This option pushes a notification to the authenticator app on your smartphone or tablet and requires you to enter a number into the Authenticator app. After you enter your credentials, an "Approve sign in request" window will appear in your browser with instructions to open your Authenticator app and a number you will need to enter into the Authenticator app in order to log in.
Open your Authenticator app, enter in the number and select "Yes" to finish verifying your identity. After verifying your identity by entering in the number, you should automatically get logged into your Microsoft Office account.
Use verification code For this option, the authenticator app generates a verification code that updates every 30 seconds. Enter the most current verification code in the sign-in interface.
If this didn't assist you with your MFA question please visit some of our other MFA help listed below:
For instructions on how to set up MFA visit "How to set up MFA"
For instructions on how to change an existing MFA set up visit "How can I change the phone number or authentication method to access Office 365?"
If you are experiencing problems with MFA on your account and would like assistance please visit "Report Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Issues" to submit a help request.