How to setup Multi-factor Authentication
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an online application.
A factor in authentication is a way of confirming your identity when you try to sign in. For example, a password is one kind of factor; it's a thing you know. The three most common kinds of factors are:
Something you know - Like a password, or a memorized PIN
Something you have - Like a smartphone, or a secure USB key.
Something you are - Like a fingerprint, or facial recognition.
Setting up Multi-factor Authentication (For the first time)
Using Microsoft Authenticator
Download Microsoft Authenticator app in Google Play or the App Store.
Sign into your Office 365 email account in a different screen device (ex. PC, Laptop) as later on you will need to scan the QR code on screen.
You will be prompted with this message:
Click Next and follow steps to set up your authentication method.
Microsoft Authenticator App
Hit Next
You will be prompted with a QR code. Scan the QR code with your authenticator application on your smartphone.
On your authenticator app look for the (+) in the right-hand side.
a. Choose Work or School Account and scan the QR code.
b. Your account should automatically populate the Authenticator app. See sample screen:
c. Click** Next** on your computer.
Your computer will then prompt you to accept the notification as below:
You will be prompted to approve the notification by matching a number shown on your computer to your authenticator application on your smartphone device.
Once, your Authenticator application is set up. Click Next.
You will be brought back to the Office365 log-in screen. The only addition is now whenever you login, you will be prompted with a notification on your phone (via Microsoft Authenticator app) to approve the login. Thank you for keeping your account secure from threat actors!
A factor in authentication is a way of confirming your identity when you try to sign in. For example, a password is one kind of factor; it's a thing you know. The three most common kinds of factors are:
Something you know - Like a password, or a memorized PIN
Something you have - Like a smartphone, or a secure USB key.
Something you are - Like a fingerprint, or facial recognition.
Setting up Multi-factor Authentication (For the first time)
Using Microsoft Authenticator
Download Microsoft Authenticator app in Google Play or the App Store.
Sign into your Office 365 email account in a different screen device (ex. PC, Laptop) as later on you will need to scan the QR code on screen.
You will be prompted with this message:
Click Next and follow steps to set up your authentication method.
Microsoft Authenticator App
Hit Next
You will be prompted with a QR code. Scan the QR code with your authenticator application on your smartphone.
On your authenticator app look for the (+) in the right-hand side.
a. Choose Work or School Account and scan the QR code.
b. Your account should automatically populate the Authenticator app. See sample screen:
c. Click** Next** on your computer.
Your computer will then prompt you to accept the notification as below:
You will be prompted to approve the notification by matching a number shown on your computer to your authenticator application on your smartphone device.
Once, your Authenticator application is set up. Click Next.
You will be brought back to the Office365 log-in screen. The only addition is now whenever you login, you will be prompted with a notification on your phone (via Microsoft Authenticator app) to approve the login. Thank you for keeping your account secure from threat actors!
Updated on: 08/26/2024
Thank you!