Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Microsoft 365 Enrollment

Intended Population:

Students and Employees

Purpose:

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 application, online account, or a VPN. Rather than just asking for a username and password, MFA requires one or more additional verification factors, which decreases the likelihood of a successful cyber-attack.

This article walks through MFA enrollment for Microsoft 365.

Requirements:

Active MSJC account (Microsoft 365 account)
At least one of the following required authentication methods:
- Access to SMS enabled phone
- Access to voice enabled phone
- Microsoft Authenticator mobile app

Procedure:

1. From your computer, sign into Microsoft 365 (https://www.office.com) using your MSJC username and password

2. After successfully logging in, you should receive a message stating "More information required"

3. You will be prompted to use the Microsoft Authenticator App initially. To select a different method, click "I want to set up a different method," and use the drop-down menu to choose one of the methods offered. It is strongly recommended to configure more than one MFA method, which you may do after this initial enrollment.

Select one authentication option below for your initial MFA enrollment:

OPTION 1: Set up your mobile device to use a text message as your verification method

Select "Phone" and click "Confirm"
Enter your phone number
Select "Receive a code" and click "Next"
Enter the code received in your text messages and click "Next"
After successful verification click "Next" and then "Done"

OPTION 2: Set up your mobile device to receive a phone call as your verification method

Select "Phone" and click "Confirm"
Enter your phone number
Select "Call me" and click "Next"
You'll receive a phone call from Microsoft, answer and press pound (#) to complete sign-in
After successful verification click "Next" and then "Done"

OPTION 3: Set up the Microsoft Authenticator smartphone app as your verification method

NOTE: You must first download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app to your smartphone. Instructions can be found on the Microsoft support website: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/download-and-install-the-microsoft-authenticator-app-351498fc-850a-45da-b7b6-27e523b8702a

In the "Keep your account secure" window above, click "Next" (instead of "I want to set up a different method")
On the next screen click "Next"
You will be presented with a QR code to be scanned by the smartphone app.
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone, tap the "Add account" icon from the upper right of home screen of the app. For iOS devices, the icon is "+" and for Android devices, the icon is three vertical dots.
1. Add account on iOS devices
2. Add account on Android devices
Select "Work or school account" and then select "Scan QR code"
Use your device's camera to scan the QR code and then click "Next" in the "Configure mobile app" window on your computer.
Back on your computer, click "Next"
On the next screen, note the number that you are presented.
Back on your smartphone in the Authenticator app, enter the number from the previous step into the notification window and click "Yes"
Your computer should now show that the notification was approved. Click "Next"
Click "Done" in the confirmation window.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended to configure additional MFA methods so that you will have a backup option if your primary MFA method is not working for whatever reason. The following link provides instruction for setting up additional methods: https://support.msjc.edu/support/solutions/articles/20000070519

MFA enrollment for Microsoft 365 is complete.