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 and was fully enabled in November 16, 2020. MFA will be enabled for all students on May 13, 2021.

All users are expected to setup MFA on their respective Microsoft 365 account. Once setup, you will only be asked to provide a second factor when you attempt to use university systems from a non-USM network.

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

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

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

Contact the iTech Help Desk for assistance or to ask questions by emailing helpdeskFREEMississippi or calling 601.266.HELP (4357, option 5) for further assistance.