Multi-Factor Authentication Initial Set Up Instructions

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method in which a user is granted access only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence to an authentication mechanism that you are indeed the account owner. The two options available to you are Microsoft's Authenticator application or a phone call. The Microsoft Authenticator application is the preferred option. It is recommended that users set-up both authentication factors but you are only required to have one. Setting up both factors will allow you to login even if you lose your primary factor.

The ability to enable MFA has been available and recommended since November 2019. A work order, which is required to enable MFA on your CampusID account, may be submitted on the iTech Help Desk Self Service Portal or by emailing helpdeskFREEMississippi.  Call 601.266.HELP (4357, option 5) for further assistance. Once MFA has been enabled, continue with this article for instructions on completing your setup.

All users are expected to set-up MFA on their respective Office 365 account. Once set-up, you will only be asked to provide a second factor when you attempt to use university systems from a non-USM network. Be advised, the "note" sections provide clarification and prevent common issues.

Below you will find instructions to set-up MFA on your Office 365 account. Simply select the option that best fits your preference:

• I want to set-up my account to authenticate via the Microsoft Authenticator application.
• I want to set-up my account to authenticate via a phone call.
• I want to set-up my account to authenticate via both the Microsoft Authenticator application and phone call.

Note: Selecting the third option will allow you to set-up both factors but you will only need one of the two factors to authenticate when attempting to login to your Office 365 account from a non-USM network.