MFA: Self-Enrollment: iPhone - Microsoft Authenticator App

Topic

Multifactor authentication Self-Enrollment Instructions: iPhone - Microsoft Authenticator application

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

Multifactor authentication ,iPhone, Application

Resolution or Steps

What you will need before you begin Multifactor authentication set up:

Note: If you are a new student or have been notified of having a compromised account you will need to use Multifactor authentication Automatic-Enrollment instructions to set up Multifactor authentication rather than using instructions provided below.

  1. Immediate access to the Phone Device you will select for your preferred verification option
  2. A Computer with Internet connectivity
  3. Please note: If you are both employee and student, you will need to set up Multifactor authentication on both your employee and student accounts. The Microsoft Authenticator application can support multiple accounts.  
  4. If you are employed or take classes at multiple Minnesota State University / Colleges you only need to do this once per employee/student account.

Steps:

  • Note: Illustrations and instructions may vary slightly.
  • Step 1) On your iPhone:
    • a)  Go to the App Store.
    • b)  Perform search for "Microsoft Authenticator". Select Get, then Open app.
      • (you may be prompted to enter your App Store login)

“iPhone App Store search results showing ‘microsoft authenticator’ typed in the search bar. The Microsoft Authenticator app listing appears with a blue shield icon and the words ‘Microsoft Authenticator – Productivity – 38K ratings.’ One screenshot shows a ‘GET’ button and the other shows an ‘OPEN’ button.”

  • Step 2) Select Work or school account.
    • Select Skip if prompted to Add Personal Account or Add Non-Microsoft Account

“Screen in the Microsoft Authenticator app titled ‘Accounts.’ The heading reads ‘What kind of account are you adding?’ with three options listed: ‘Personal account,’ ‘Work or school account’ highlighted with a red box, and ‘Other (Google, Facebook, etc.).’”

  • Step 3) Tap Allow to, Allow Authenticator to take pictures and record video? prompt.
    • Your phone will be ready to scan or manually enter the Quick Response code (displayed in step 7).
    • Set your phone down.
  • Important note:
    • Once you click on the Minnesota State button Enable Multi Factor Authentication outlined in the next step (Step 4), you will need to complete Multifactor authentication  set up before you will be able to access your email and other Minnesota State Office 365 connected services. If you cancel or do not complete the set up, you will not be able to access these services until Multifactor authentication is successfully set up.
  • Step 4) Switch to your computer:
“Page showing a button labeled ‘Enable Multi-Factor Authentication for Your Name.’ To the right is text stating, ‘Once you click this button you will need to complete set up of MFA before you will be able to access your email and other Minnesota State O365-connected services.’ Below is a large blue checkmark with the message, ‘Your account is now enabled for MFA.’ Additional text reads, ‘Wait a minute for MFA to complete, then click HERE or log out of your browser and go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup to complete your MFA setup.’”
  • c)  It will then display Your account is now enabled for Multifactor authentication and offers the link to:
  • d)  Click here: https://aka.ms/mfasetup or copy and paste link into Internet window to continue Multifactor authentication set up.

Step 5) Sign in with your username and password:

  • Step 6) Displayed on your computer, on the Additional security verification page:
    • a)  Under, How do you want to use the mobile app?:
      • Select Mobile app from the drop down selection
    • b)  Select a verification method:
      • Receive notifications for verification (recommended - one-tap approval)
      • Use verification code (this option continually generates a verification code sent to your phone which you will need to accurately enter for verification).
    • Note, before you click Set up, the next screen will display a Quick Response code; this Quick Response code is time-sensitive, so be ready to scan the Quick Response code with your phone.
    • c)  Click Setup
  • Step 7) On your phone:
    • a)  Scan the Quick Response code, displayed on your computer, using your phone.

“Screen titled ‘Additional security verification’ with the prompt ‘Step 1: How should we contact you?’ and a dropdown showing ‘Mobile app.’ The option ‘Receive notifications for verification’ is selected. A blue button labeled ‘Set up’ appears below. To the right is a second screen titled ‘Configure mobile app,’ showing a QR code with instructions to install the Microsoft Authenticator app and scan the image. An arrow points from a phone displaying the same ‘Configure mobile app’ screen with a QR code to the computer monitor showing the QR code.” 

  • b)  After the Quick Response code has been scanned, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and your account will display on your phone.

“Authenticator app account entry labeled ‘MNSCU’ with a blurred email address ending in ‘@go.minnstate.edu.’ An account icon appears to the left.”

  • c) On your phone, select Go to Settings and ensure Allow Notifications is set to allow.

“Two screens from the Authenticator setup. The first screen shows a message stating ‘Push notifications are required to activate and authenticate with this app. Go to Settings > Notifications to allow push notifications for the app,’ with buttons labeled ‘Not now’ and ‘Go to Settings.’ The second screen is the iPhone Notifications settings page with ‘Allow Notifications’ turned on and alert options for Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banners, with Banner Style set to Temporary.”

  • Step 8) On your computer, on the Additional security information window:
    • Click Next. Displayed will be Step 2: Let’s make sure that we can reach you on your Mobile App device
    • Note: If you have set up a Pin or biometric face/fingerprint to access your phone, you may be prompted for this to proceed.
“Four images showing examples of phone security prompts. The first image displays a blue screen with a lock icon and the words ‘Authenticator locked’ and ‘Unlock.’ The second image shows a phone screen with the text ‘Face ID.’ The third image shows a circular fingerprint-style graphic. The fourth image shows a finger touching a fingerprint sensor with the word ‘Continue.’ Above the images is the text: ‘Examples: Prompt for entry of your phone PIN or biometrics used to access your phone (graphics may vary).’”
  • Step 9) On your phone the Authenticator app will prompt you for approval or display a verification code:
    • If you selected – Receive notification for verification:
      • Select Approve prompted on your phone
    • If you selected – Use verification code:
      • On your computer, enter the verification code received on your phone, then click Verify
  • Step 10) On your computer, on the Additional security verification page:
    • a)  A prompt to "Secure your account by adding phone verification to your password" and "Step 2: In case you lose access to the mobile app" will be displayed.
    • b)  The phone number you enter should be a different number other than your mobile device; this is to help ensure you are not locked out of your account in the event you do not have immediate 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.
      • Consider using a spouse or trusted family member’s phone as the added back-up phone number (i.e. the "added phone verification to your password").
      • Note: This added phone number will not be called for validation during this set up process.
    • c)  Select country and ensure you have entered the correct phone number before clicking Done.
    • Your account is now set with Multifactor authentication protection.

If you need assistance with MFA please contact Information Technology Service Desk.

Please Note:

  • Should you encounter “Allow my organization to manage my device” it is recommended Not to select this option.

“Screen with the heading ‘Use this account everywhere on your device.’ Text below reads: ‘Windows will remember your account and make it easier to sign in to apps and websites. You won’t have to enter your password each time you access your organization’s resources. You may need to allow them to manage certain settings on your device.’ A checkbox option reads ‘Allow my organization to manage my device.’”

  • None of your personal data is stored from any phone device you select for MFA set up and enrollment or by installing and using the Microsoft Authenticator app.  It's only purpose is to authenticate and it cannot store data.

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 Multifactor authentication without your attempt to log in. Multifactor 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 Multifactor 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.

Resources

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