What is Multi-Factor Authentication for O365?
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), in some instances referred to as 2-Factor authentication, is a form of authentication which provides an added layer of protection, beyond just your password. This added authentication verification helps verify that a person logging in to an account is authorized to access that account.
MFA Setup Instructions
Step 1) Review O365 MFA Verification Options:
- Reviewing the MFA verification options first will help you determine which of the three options will be most convenient for you.
- Keep in mind you will need to have immediate access to the phone you will select for the verification option whenever you log into O365 applications.
- Provided you have a smartphone (an iPhone or Android phone), it is highly recommended to use the Microsoft Authenticator app with approval notification.
- If you have a cell phone without smart capabilities or a cell phone with call-only capability use Authentication phone.
Verification Options:
- Option 1) Microsoft Authenticator Mobile App (iPhone, Android smartphones):
- This option with use of approval notification for verification is highly recommended.
- TIP: Watch this short video: Multi-factor Enrollment - Automatic
- Contact Method Choices:
- Receive notification for verification: Receive approval notification for verification sent to your smartphone.
- Recommended smartphone choice, offering convenient one tap approval verification from your smartphone.
- User verification code: Receive verification code sent to your smartphone
- This option continually generates a verification code sent to your smartphone which requires you to accurately enter the code for verification.
- Option 2) Authentication Phone: Recommended option for phones with call-only capability and cell phones that do not have smartphone capabilities.
- Contact Method Choices:
- Phone Call: Robo call to your phone which requires you to tap “#” on your phone for verification
- Phone Text: 6-digit code text sent to your cell phone which requires you to accurately enter the code for verification
Step 2) Complete MFA Setup Instructions:
Tip: Before you begin set up it will be helpful to take a moment to review the instructions, provided in the links below, for the option you would like to set up.
What you will need before you begin MFA set up:
- Immediate access to the Phone Device you will select for the verification option
- A Computer with Internet connectivity
Select the instructions for the verification option you would like to set up:
- Option 1) iPhone or Android Microsoft Authenticator App for Smartphones
- Option 2) Authentication Phone (for phones with call-only capability and cell phones without Smartphone capabilities)
Additional Resources