Please reference the objectives, so you know which part of the page to view. We have also incorporated some images to help better visualize and conduct the steps to help out with your issue. You can use the links (blue text) in the Objectives to "jump to' the part of the page where that objective is being covered.


Objectives Reasons
Proactive Reconfiguration of MFA
  • Expecting/planning to change phone numbers
  • Expecting/planning to change/update phone
  • Both of the above
Setting up MFA
  • New Student
  • Need MFA Reset
Request MFA Reset
  • Phones and/or Number(s) have already been changed
  • Authenticator is 'acting up'



Why use MFA?


The below provides a brief summary of this Microsoft Solution Article, as well as provides some examples


Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) allows Students to secure the data they are using or storing.


If you are:

  • Editing a Word Document
  • Creating a Presentation
  • Evaluating a Spreadsheet
  • Accessing your Email
    • Receiving Emails
    • Sending Emails
  • And so much more!

You are manipulating and storing data. If your account was compromised (i.e. Someone discovered your password and used it to log in as you) the malicious actor would be able to interact with the items listed before. This could involve some form of impersonation by having access to and manipulating your emails.


Multi-factor authentication (MFA) allows you to mitigate these issues by introducing another method (or factor) by which you need to verify your identity before you access your information.


Factors that are typically used for logging in include:

  • Something that you know
    • Password
  • Something that you have
    • Smartphone
    • Mobile Device
  • Something you are
    • Fingerprint
    • Facial Recognition


By using a combination of any of the above factors, you help verify your identity and keep your information secure.



Proactive Reconfiguration of MFA


In the case that you know that you are going to upgrade your phone (and/or) change phone numbers, the below steps will allow you to ensure that you keep your Microsoft Authenticator configured correctly.


Follow the below steps to tell Microsoft how to handle your Authentication before switching phones and/or numbers:

  1. Visit the Security Info Page of your Microsoft Account
  2. Click on + Add sign-in method
  3. Select Choose a method
  4. Then choose a method/option that you know will work for you
  • Options Given
    • Option 1: Authenticator App
      • If you have the phone you are going to replace your old phone out with a new phone, select this option and Install Microsoft Authenticator on the phone (Talk with the technician at the phone store)
      • If you do not know how to install Microsoft Authenticator, please reference the Setup MFA section
    • Option 2: Alternate Phone
      • Provide an additional phone number to use to access your email
        • If you use this option, we highly encourage that you use this option temporarily, then repeat this process when you can BUT only use option 1
    • Option 3: Office Phone
      • If you have an extension at a business that you work at, you can use the business phone number and your extension to use as a workaround
        • Like Option 2,  If you use this option, we highly encourage that you use this option temporarily, then repeat this process when you can BUT only use Option 1



Setup MFA


Microsoft Authenticator is the application provided by Microsoft as a Multi-Factor Authentication Solution (option). We highly encourage all students to use Microsoft Authenticator as their MFA application, to ensure functionality and access to all Microsoft-related items that they wish to access.


Please keep this in mind, it is much easier if you do this process with BOTH a phone and another device (the other device can be another smartphone, a laptop, a PC screen, or even a Smart TV)

All references to using the 'other device' will be underlined and in italics.


Please follow the below steps to install and setup Microsoft Authenticator


                                      Install Microsoft Authenticator

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If on phone, tap the above image to access the Apply Play Store If on phone, tap the above image to access the Play Store


To download and install Microsoft Authenticator on your device, go to the device's Play Store.

Next:

  1. Search for the app Microsoft Authenticator
  2. Look for the app named Microsoft Authenticator 
    • The app should have an icon/image like this:
  3. Tap on Install
  4. Open the app when itself has been installed
  5. Allow the app to send you notifications
    • This part is CRITICAL, if you do not allow it to send notifications, you will receive errors later
  6. Tap Accept on the "Microsoft respects your privacy"
  7. Tap Continue
  8. On your other device, go to Office.com
  9. Use either Sign in button


10. Login with your Student Email and Password, then Click Sign in

11. Click Next on the More Information Required screen



12. Click Next on the Start by getting the app page



13. Click Next on Setup your account



14. Using your Phone, Select the Option Scan a QR Code

  • Allow Authenticator to take pictures and record video
    • This part is CRITICAL, as you need your camera in order to scan the QR Code
  • Using your Phone Scan the QR Code displayed on your other device



15. Click the Next button that shows up after scanning the QR code



16. Input the test code from your other device into your Smart Phone 

  • If prompted enter the phone password or Biometric


17. Click Next after inputting the two numbers

 

18. Click Next on the Success! screen


You have now finished setting up Authenticator. Thank you for protecting your information, and be careful as to who you let access your phone!


If you have any specific issues, please reference the bottom of this page.


Request MFA Reset


Has your Authenticator decided to 'act up' recently, but you have not changed numbers or phones? That is ok, as it can happen from time to time. 


A good rule of thumb is to; 

  • Restart your smartphone 
    • If this does not work, move on to Reset Authenticator (next steps)
  • Reinstall Authenticator
    • The actual name for the app is Microsoft Authenticator in the App Store


There is a ticket to request Resetting Authenticator, which can be found here (or by clicking on the below image).



We will need to verify your identity when reaching out to you, this part of the process can only be done on the phone.


Verifying your identity may involve verifying; 

  • Your Student ID Number
  • Your Date of Birth
  • The Last 4 numbers of your Social Security Number 


Please be ready to provide the above information if you choose to fill out this request.


Still having issues?


Feel free to call the Service Desk at (260) 399-2858 anytime from 8:30 AM - 5 PM ET (Mondays - Fridays) or submit a ticket describing your issue. 


Please remember the more detailed you are about your issue, the better we can help. Screenshots are appreciated⁠!