Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for Microsoft Products

Tags email Login MFA

Overview

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is a method for signing in to something using more than one “factor” to prove your identity. This can include things such as usernames/passwords, security questions, one time codes sent to a mobile device or email, and other “factors” available to prove you are the right person associated with the account. Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is required when signing into Microsoft products. When you sign in for the first time to any Microsoft product you will be prompted to setup your MFA. 

Instructions

  1. At the sign in screen, type in your @shoreline.edu email address and click the Next button. 

Microsoft sign in screen

  1. Type in your @shoreline.edu email password, and click the Sign in button.

Microsoft sign in screen

  1. Click Next when the More information required field pops up to start the setup process. 

Microsoft sign in account "More information required" screen.

  1. Follow the prompts and it will ask for the method you would like to use for MFA.  TSS recommends using the Authenticator App. 

Method 1: Choosing your Authentication method

There are three primary choices as authentication methods. The default, and recommended, authentication method is the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you would rather receive a text message or call sent to your mobile phone or call to your office phone, select “I want to set up a different method.”

Drop down menu showing MFA sign in options.

Authenticator App

This is the preferred method for secondary authentication. Using an authenticator app is faster and more secure. You have the option of using the Microsoft Authenticator or other authenticator app.

Download and Install an Authenticator App

  1. If you have not done so already, go to your phone’s mobile store (Google Play, App Store) and download the Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator app. Any other authenticator app may work but they are not supported. Only use either the Microsoft or Google authenticator.
  2. Do not click Next until you have the application installed and open on your mobile device.

MFA set up screen.

If you are using a mobile device

  1. Click the ‘+’ to add a new entry
  2. Choose Work or School Account
  3. Choose Scan QR Code

If you are using a computer browser

  1. Click Next
  2. Scan the displayed QR Code using the authenticator app. The process may take a minute before returning you to the main screen where you will see your newly added Shoreline Community College entry.
  3. Click Next
  4. Click Approve in your authenticator app

MFA set up screen.

Phone (Mobile - Call or Text)

  1. Choose the desired option, click next.
  2. If you opted for Text me a code, you would enter that code on the following screen. If you opted for Call, follow the prompt when the automated system calls you.

MFA set up screen.

Office Phone (Call only)

  1. This is the least preferred method as you will need to be able to answer the call. If you are working remote, this will not work for you. Enter your office phone number and click next. Follow the prompt when the automated system calls you.

MFA set up screen.

Method 2: Choosing your application password

  1. If you have applications that don't support multi-factor verification, you must set up an app password. See manage app passwords for more information. This step will walk you through creating this password.

MFA set up screen.

  1. After you have downloaded and installed the Authenticator App you are presented with a summary of the steps you just completed.
  2. Click the Done button.

MFA set up screen.

Secondary Authentication Method – Highly Recommended

  1. Once your primary method is setup, TSS highly recommends setting up a secondary method to ensure that you can access your account. Please go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup.
  2. Sign in with your @Shoreline.edu email and password.

Microsoft sign in screen.

  1. The next screen will ask you to authenticate via your method you picked as your primary method.

Microsoft sign in screen "Enter code" option.

  1. Once you are fully signed in your will see the option to Add sign-in method. By clicking that option, you will see a Add a method popup with a dropdown.
  2. Click the dropdown and you will see the different options available.  Below are the approved methods of authentication. Each option has different on-screen instructions to follow. Please follow the instructions to setup your secondary method.

Choose MFA methods screen.

Additional Resources

Microsoft has provided a quick What is: Multifactor Authentication (microsoft.com) article with helpful information.  If you run into any issues please Submit a Request, and TSS can help.

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