How to Setup the Microsoft Authenticator App for MFA

How to Setup or Update Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

What is MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is used to make sure you are who they say you are by requiring two or more factors [pieces of evidence] that prove your identity. The requirement of a second factor greatly increases the security of your account, as just knowing or guess your password is not enough to access your account. These factors are a combination of:

• Something you know, such as a password or passphrase

• Something you have, such as a code from a smart phone app or security token

• Something unique to you, such as a fingerprint or retinal pattern

With MFA enabled, you will be prompted for a second factor after entering your username and password when logging into a supported service such as Microsoft Outlook, Teams, etc.

Accessing the Security Info Portal

To add or modify a factor you'll need your computer and your phone. Follow these instructions:

On your computer

1. Visit https://www.office.com
2. Click “Sign in” in the upper right corner
3. Enter your wNumber@campus.nscc.ca and click the “Next” button
4. You will be prompted for your username and password – please enter your wNumber@campus.nscc.ca as the username and your NSCC account password and click the “OK” button
5. You will be brought to the Microsoft Office Home portal
6.  In the upper right corner of the page click your account profile picture or initials
7. Click “View Account” from the menu

8. On the Account page, click “UPDATE INFO” in the Security Info section

9. Click “Add Method” on the Security Info page
10. Select the desired method from the drop down – Authenticator app in this case
11. Click the “Add” button
12. Click the “Next” button at the Start by getting the app screen
13. Click the “Next” button on the Set up your account screen

On your Android or Apple Phone:

14. Open the App Store or Play store on your smart phone, search for the Microsoft Authenticator and install the application
15. Once it is installed, locate and launch the Microsoft Authenticator app [on the home screen or in the app drawer]

16. Click the “+” in the upper right corner of the app

17. Select the “Work or school account” option from the list

18. When prompted, Click “Scan QR Code”

19. Hold your phone up in front of your computer screen, aligning the red square/line with the QR code shown on the computer

Once this has competed, you have now added the Microsoft Authenticator app as another factor to your account. The system will now send a test notification to your phone. When you see the pop up:

1. Note that your W-Number will be displayed
2. The name of the application requesting you to authenticate will be displayed
3. You will need to enter the number displayed on the computer screen to continue

You will now see the Microsoft Authenticator in the list of factors associated with your account.

Making the Microsoft Authenticator App your Default Sign-in Method

Your default sign-in method is what Office 365 will use automatically when you sign in. We recommend you choose the "Microsoft Authenticator - notification" option as it is the most secure and convenient.

1. Visit the Microsoft Shortened address https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo or follow the instructions above to access the My Sign-Ins Security portal
2. Click the "Change" link next to Default Sign-in metho

3. Choose "Microsoft Authenticator - notification" from the drop down list and click the "Confirm" button
4. Once changed, a notification will appear in the upper right corner. You have now changed the factor associated with your MFA