How to Setup the Microsoft Authenticator App for MFA

Summary

This article details how to setup the Microsoft Authenticator App for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) as well as how to select it as your default method.

Body

What is this? 

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is mandatory for all off campus access to NSCC services. You are required to enable it.  

Here are a list of other KB articles that support MFA:

When logging into accounts off-campus, students, staff and faculty will use their NSCC login credentials along with MFA. NSCC’s recommended app for MFA is the Microsoft Authenticator App which you download to your mobile device. It provides a fast, easy to set up, and integrated method of MFA. 

MFA is used to make sure you are who you say you are by requiring two or more pieces of evidence that prove your identity. This evidence is known as a factor, and the requirement of a second factor greatly increases the security of your account. With multiple factors just knowing, or even guessing, your password is not enough to access your account. 

Below you will find a detailed video that walks you through step by step how set up the Microsoft Authenticator App. Please turn on CC if you wish to access captions. We also have detailed step by step instructions with screen grabs under the video. 

Video Instructions

Step by Step Instructions with Screengrabs

You'll need your computer or laptop and your mobile device. These instructions use an iPhone but steps are similar to Android devices.

On your computer/laptop

Using a web browser visit https://myaccount.microsoft.com

You will be required to enter your NSCC credentials. This is your W#######@campus.nscc.ca. You will be required to use your password as well. 

At this point you may see this prompt asking you to set up more information. Click Next and follow all the prompts.

If you do not see this prompt (above) you will be directed to your 'My Account' panel .Click “UPDATE INFO” in the Security Info section 

Click "+ Add sing-in method"

In the drop down dialog box, choose 'Authenticator App'

Click 'Add' 

When you see this info box below, pause and use your mobile device. 

On your Mobile Device:

Open the App Store or Play store on your mobile device, and search for the Microsoft Authenticator App and install the application. If you are on your mobile device now you can find the applications here:

Click here for IOS devices.

Click here for Android devices.

On your laptop or computer Click 'Next'

Click 'Next' Again. 

You will now see a QR Code, do NOT click Next yet and go back to your mobile device. 

On your Mobile Device

In your Microsoft Authenticator App. Click 'Accept'. Click 'Continue'. Click 'Add Account'

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You will then choose 'Work or school account', and then you will select 'Scan QR Code'. Click 'Allow'

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

Once this has been competed, you have now added your account to the Microsoft Authenticator app. You account will show up in your app like this below. On your laptop click 'Next'

The system will now send a test notification to your mobile device. When you see the pop up: Note that your W-Number will be displayed along with Nova Scotia Community College. 

You will need to enter the number displayed on the computer screen to your mobile device to continue. Click Yes on your mobile device. 

You may be asked to confirm your passcode on your mobile device as well. Once that is complete you will see 'Approved.' in the Microsoft Authenticator App

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On your computer or laptop. Click 'Next'

You will see a green pop up box that lets you know you have successfully registered the Microsoft Authenticator app to your account.

Making the Microsoft Authenticator App your Default Sign-in Method

To set your default sign-in method click 'Set default sign-in method' 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose "App based authentication - notification' from the drop down box and then click 'Confirm'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will see a green box confirming the change to your default sign-in method

Details

Details

Article ID: 90034
Created
Mon 6/14/21 6:25 AM
Modified
Fri 8/30/24 9:31 AM

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