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 Authentication application or phone call. The Microsoft Authentication application is the preferred option of the two are available to you. 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.

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. Non-USM networks are any networks that are not offered to you by USM. Throughout this document will see "Note" sections. These notes offer clarifications to help prevent common issues and you are advised to pay special attention to them.

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.