General Information - MFA Self-Enrollment
What is Multi-Factor Authentication for O365?
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), also called 2-Factor Authentication (2FA), is a form of authentication which provides an added layer of protection, beyond just your password. This added authentication verification helps verify that a person logging in to an account is authorized to access that account.
- Once you have enrolled in O365 MFA, after entry of your MinnState credentials to log in to O365 applications, you will receive a notification via the MFA notification option you selected during set up (a text, a phone call, or mobile Microsoft Authenticator App verification) to verify it is you logging in to your account.
- The O365 multi-factor authentication is a service provided through the Minnesota State Microsoft O365 tenant. The Minnesota State System Office IT in partnership with each Minnesota State institution is requiring all accounts to have MFA enrollment by November 2021. This solution helps protect not only your account, but all data and applications connected to the Minnesota State O365 tenant.
Does Multi-Factor Authentication store my personal phone data?
- No. 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. MFA 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 O365 provided services.
How do I set up MFA added protection?
- Follow the instructions included below.
- Note: If you are a new student or have been notified of having a compromised account you will need to use MFA Automatic Enrollment instructions to set up MFA rather than using instructions provided below.
For Video Instructions: Click Here!
Step 1) Review O365 MFA Verification Options:
- Reviewing the MFA verification options first will help you determine which of the three options will be most convenient for you.
- Keep in mind you will need to have immediate access to the phone you will select for the verification option whenever you log into O365 applications.
- Provided you have a smartphone (an iPhone or Android phone), it is highly recommended to use the Microsoft Authenticator app with approval notification.
- If you have a cell phone without smart capabilities or a cell phone with call-only capability use Authentication phone.
- If you do not have a cell phone or do not wish to use your cell phone, your option is to use your office phone.
Verification Options:
- Option 1) – Call or Text: You can choose between:
1) Getting a call to your cell phone, and
2) Receiving a 6-digit code for you to type in when asked.
- Option 2) – Microsoft Mobile Application: This is best if you cannot or don’t want to accept calls or texts to your phone. You can choose between:
1) Getting a notification on your phone, and
2) Receiving a 6-digit code for you to type in when asked.
- Option 3) – Office phone: Please be aware if you select this option you will always need to be in proximity of your desk phone during all authentication in to O365 applications.
1) Office Phone Call: Robo call to your desk phone
Step 2) Complete MFA Self-Enrollment Setup Instructions:
Tip: Before you begin set up it will be helpful to take a moment to review the instructions, provided below, for the option you would like.
What you will need before you begin MFA set up:
- Immediate access to the Phone Device you will select for the verification option
- A Computer with Internet connectivity
- The link to turn on MFA - https://minnstate.edu/mfa.
Important note: The instruction links provided below are for MFA Self-Enrollment. If you are a new student or have been identified and notified as having a compromised account you will need to use MFA Automatic Enrollment instructions. If you are not a new student or have not been notified of having a compromised account please use the MFA Self-Enrollment instruction links provided below.
Select the instructions for the verification option you would like to set up: