MFA: Automatic Enrollment: Authentication Phone - For Call or Text

Topic

MMulti-Factor Authentication Automatic Enrollment Instructions: Authentication Phone

Environment (Products involved such as e.g. hardware, software, network)

Multi-Factor Authentication ,Phone , Set-up

Resolution or Steps

What you will need before you begin Multi-Factor Authentication set up:

Note: If you are not a new student or have not been notified of having a compromised account you will need to use Multi-Factor Authentication Self-Enrollment instructions to set up Multi-Factor Authentication rather than using instructions provided below.

  1. Immediate access to the Phone you will select for your preferred verification option
  2. A Computer with Internet connectivity
This article provides instructions for:
  • Phones with call-only capability
  • Cell phones without smart capabilities - although this does not need to be a smartphone, the text messaging option does require a compatible phone.
  • Note: If you have an iPhone or Android please use instructions: iPhone or Android
None of your personal data is stored from any phone device you select for Multi-Factor Authentication set up and enrollment. Multi-Factor Authentication is not designed for data storage, it’s design and purpose is as an authentication utility. The Microsoft Authenticator app verifies authentication within the sign-in process in order to access Minnesota State Office 365 provided services.

Steps:

  • Note: Illustrations and instructions may vary slightly.
  • Step 1) From your computer:
    • a)  Browse to the Additional security verification page.
    • b)  Sign in with your username and password:
    • c)  Click Next on the prompt More information required.
      • Please note, If you are both employee and student, you will need to set up Multi-Factor Authentication on both your employee and student accounts.
      • If you are employed or take classes at multiple Minnesota State University / Colleges you only need to do this once per employee/student account.
  • Step 2) On your computer, on the Additional security verification page:
    • a)  Under Step 1: How should we contact you? select Authentication phone from the drop down menu.
    • b)  Select country and enter your 10-digit phone number you will be using for Multi-Factor Authentication verification.
    • c)  Under Method, select a verification method:
      • Call me
        • You will need to use this option if your phone has call-only capability or does not have text messaging capability.
        • Consider this option if you prefer not to enter a six-digit code accurately each time you authenticate to Microsoft applications.
        • This method places an automated voice call to the phone number you provide. Answer the call and press the pound key (#) on the phone keypad to authenticate.
      • Send me a code by text message
        • This method sends a text message containing a verification code that you will need to accurately enter in to the sign-in interface
    • d)  Click Next.

“Microsoft Additional security verification page with instructions to secure the account by adding phone verification. Step 1 asks ‘How should we contact you?’ with dropdowns for ‘Authentication phone’ and country code ‘United States (+1),’ followed by a field for entering a phone number. Under ‘Method,’ options include ‘Send me a code by text message’ and ‘Call me’ (selected). A note at the bottom states that phone numbers will only be used for account security and that standard telephone and SMS charges may apply. A blue ‘Next’ button appears on the right.”

  • Step 3) You will receive a call or verification code on your phone:

    • If you selected – Call me:
      • The Additional security verification page on your computer, will display Verifying phone.
      •  You will receive an incoming call on your phone displayed as Restricted.
      • Answer the call and follow the instructions.
    • If you selected – Send me a code by text message:
      • On your computer, enter the verification code received on your phone, then click Verify
  • Set Alternate authentication option(s):

Important: To help ensure you are not locked out of your account, please set up as many of the phone options as possible. This provides a way to verify authentication in the event you do not have access to your primary phone, your battery is dead, your primary device is lost, stolen or damaged or you get a new phone or number.

  • Select the check mark next to each option you would like to set up, select country and enter the phone number.
  • For Campus Office Phone, make sure to enter the exact 10-digit phone number for your desk phone. Do not include extension information. If the number listed is a general campus number, this will not work, make sure the phone number is your specific desk phone number.
  • Step 4) Click Save, after you have set any alternate phone options you would like.
    • Your account is now set with Multi-Factor Authentication protection.

If you need assistance with Multi-Factor Authentication please contact Information Technology Service Desk.


Information Security

What should I do when I get a verification request I don’t recognize?

If you receive approval requests for access to your Office 365 and you are not actively signing in to Minnesota State Office 365 connected applications (in other words you did not just attempt to log in to your Office 365 account using your Minnesota State Office 365 login credentials) then deny the access.

Stay Vigilant:

  • You will not be prompted by Multi-Factor Authentication without your attempt to log in. Multi-Factor Authentication verification will never prompt you first. Do not approve or take action on any prompts if you are not logging into your account.
  • No one, including Information Technology Services, Metropolitan State University, Minnesota State Colleges or Universities, or other entities which may appear to be related, will ever contact or prompt you to ask you to “approve” an Multi-Factor Authentication notification or ask for a verification code.  
  • Do not press # key for verification or enter verification code if you receive a voice call on your mobile device, office, or alternate phone. Ensure your spouse or trusted family doesn’t automatically enter the key(s) without checking with you first.
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