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Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) Setup Guide

Owned by Wesley Wilson
Last updated: Jan 22, 2024
5 min read

CSU is beginning a role out to employees the added security of MFA. This will add to the security we already have which includes strong passwords.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Directions form Microsoft

Set-Up MFA via Microsoft Authenticator App

This section takes you step-by-step to secure your Microsoft 365 account using the Microsoft Authenticator app. The Authenticator factor requires a smartphone where the Microsoft Authenticator app can be installed. Please be advised these directions may not fit every situation and may need to be updated as Microsoft makes changes.

Step 1 - Sign-in to Microsoft 365

Go to https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo

Note: You must log-in using your student or employee email address and email password.

Step 2: If prompted for “More Information Required” Select Next.

Step 3: Select Next to setup the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Other options are available, but are not included in these directions.

Option 1 “I want to use a different authenticator app” (e.g. Google Authenticator, Authy, etc…)

Option 2 “I want to use a different method” (e.g. phone call, text message)

Step 4: Download the Microsoft Authenticator app.

From your COMPUTER

  1. You will have a prompt like the image below to start the download and setup on your phone of the the MS Authenticator app. Do not press next yet until you have the App on your mobile device.

  2. Open a web browser and click the following link to visit the Microsoft MFA App:

Microsoft Mobile Phone Authenticator App | Microsoft Security

  1. Scroll down until you find the QR code for your mobile device app store.

On your MOBILE DEVICE,

  1. Using your mobile device's camera scan the appropriate QR code for the app you need to download.

  2. You should arrive at the appropriate app for your device

  3. Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app.

  4. Launch Microsoft Authenticator app. Icon is one of the two seen below.

Step 5: Configure the Mobile Device

Apple iOS devices
Tap "Allow" to allow the app to send phone notifications.

Android Devices
Tap "Skip."

Note: Depending on your device, this step may displayed in a different sequence. You may choose to read through this step or tap "skip."

Tap “OK”

Tap “Add account”

 

Tap “Work or school account.”

Tap “Allow” for Android devices or “OK” for Apple Devices.

Scan the QR Code described in the next step using your mobile device.

This QR code will only work for the Microsoft Authenticator App. If you are using another authentication app you CANNOT use this QR code.

Step 6: Scan the QR Code displayed on the computer Screen

From your COMPUTER click the next button.

Scan the displayed QR code displayed on your COMPUTER using your MOBILE DEVICE.

NOTE: Do not scan the QR Code below. It will not work for this purpose.

From your COMPUTER Press Next on the Scan the QR code page

Step 7: Additional Security Verification

If prompted with the "Mobile app has been configured for notifications and verification codes" message is displayed on your computer screen, select "Next.

Step 8: On your mobile device, in the Microsoft Authenticator app, tap "Approve."


Note: The below prompt will display on your computer screen while you authenticate on your mobile device.

Step 9: Enter a phone number, then select "Done."

Note: If a phone number is auto-populated, ensure the number is valid. This number will only be necessary in the event you lose access to the Microsoft Authenticator app. The number entered can be mobile or landline.

Step 10: This step allows you to reduce the number of times you are asked to sign-in, and your response to this prompt should reflect your preference.

Congratulations! You have completed your MFA setup using the Microsoft Authenticator app as one of your two MFA options.