1 Multi-Factor Authentication FAQ

Tags studentMFA

Faculty, Staff, and Students

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on Single Sign-On (SSO) is highly recommended to help prevent unauthorized access to your account. Click here for instructions on how to enable and configure MFA.  A link to the guide (PDF format) is also located on the lower right portion of this webpage. 

For students using multi-factor authentication, they will need two layers of security for the login process. The first layer is their college email and password, the second layer is either an SMS text code, or an authenticator app code.

To view MFA video click on:  MFA   To Setup or Verify Security Info click here: MFA/Security Setup

Important MFA Setup Reminder: You can only skip the initial Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) setup process once. After skipping the initial setup, you will be required to complete MFA enrollment within 14 days.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) refers to an additional layer of security that is added to the login process. MFA relies on two forms of authentication. The first form of identification is your college password. The second form of identification can be:

  • Cell phone- SMS text with time sensitive one time pass code you type in to the challenge screen (just like you do for banking and medical web site access).  This is the easiest and most recommended second form of authentication.
  • Authenticator App- Google, Microsoft and other authenticator apps can be registered and used to authenticate too. The authenticator app must be turned on when you try to login.  These apps run on phones and tablets.
Why does Microsoft MFA prompt every 30 days?

Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) prompts users every 30 days as a security measure to ensure continued protection of accounts against unauthorized access. By periodically re-verifying user identity, MFA helps prevent potential security breaches and unauthorized access attempts. This frequent verification enhances the overall security posture of the user's account and reduces the risk of compromise.

I get prompted every time I login

Check your browser settings. Do not turn on Incognito, or the option to delete all cookies when you close the browser, if you don’t want to be challenged for the code every time. The MFA program will save your location in a cookie in the browser, so you will not have to re-authenticate from that location using that computer and browser when you login after the first time. We recommend you use Google Chrome as the easiest to use browser but MFA should work with any popular browser. 

What is OTP

OTP stands for one-time password. It is a password that is valid for only one login session or transaction, on a computer system or other digital device. OTPs are often used in two-factor authentication (2FA), where a user is required to enter both a password and an OTP to gain access to an account or system.

I'm not receiving the verification code sent to my mobile device

Not receiving your verification code is a common problem. The problem is typically related to your mobile device and its settings.

I have a new mobile device, and I want to add it

If you have a new mobile device, you'll need to set it up to work with two-factor verification.  Follow instructions to setup new phone:  Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Here is a list of resources for MFA

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Article ID: 148642
Created
Mon 1/16/23 12:10 AM
Modified
Wed 4/10/24 9:09 AM