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Set up your Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Getting Started
: This article will walk you through setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your email account. This extra verification step is done through a combination of your username, your password, and a mobile device or phone. MFA is more secure than just a password because it relies on two forms of authentication: something you know, and something you have with you. The something you know is your password. The something you have with you is a phone or device that you commonly have with you. MFA can help to stop malicious hackers from pretending to be you, because even if they have your password, odds are that they don't have your device, too.
Steps
To begin the process, follow these steps:
- Open a web browser and go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup
- Login with your email address and password:
3. Choose an option here. It’s your preference:
4. Click Next:
You will end up on this screen. You have three options to consider and will need to choose one.
Choose your factor!
Option 1 (Preferred) – Use the Microsoft Authenticator app............................................4
Option 2 – Use a different authenticator app.........................................................................8
Option 3 – Set up a different method......................................................................................11
Option 1 (Preferred) – Use the Microsoft Authenticator app
This is the VCCS preferred method of setting up MFA. If not already installed on your device, typically your smartphone, you will download the Microsoft Authenticator app and set it up to receive a push notification for approving or denying an authentication request. If you have problems, this method is fully supported by VCCS IT and Microsoft.
1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app to your phone, then click Next:
2. Open Microsoft Authenticator and add a new account, select Work or School account. Note, that you want to allow the Camera permission!
3. Click Next:
4. Scan the QR code with your phone then click Next:
5. Approve the notification on your device:
6. Once you do, click Next:
7. You are done! Click the Done button.
Option 2 – Use a different authenticator app
You will use a 3rd party authenticator app already installed on your device, typically your smartphone, and set it up to enter a rotating 6-digit code upon login. If you have problems, VCCS IT will support a best-effort attempt at resolution.
1. Click on I want to use a different authenticator app:
2. Add a new account in your authenticator app. Specific instructions on how to do this will not be provided as there are a variety of 3rd party authenticator apps. Click Next.
3. Once you have added a new account, scan the QR code and click Next:
4. Enter the 6-digit code you see in your authenticator app and click Next
5. You are done! Click the Done button.
Option 3 – Set up a different method
You will set up your phone (desk or mobile) to receive a phone call from Microsoft. If you have problems, this method is fully supported by VCCS IT and Microsoft.
1. Click on the I want to set up a different method:
2. Choose the Phone option, then click Confirm:
3. Add your phone number and click Next:
4. You will receive a phone call from 855-330-8653. Follow the instructions and once complete, click Next:
5. You are done! Click the Done button.
