Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Setup & Information

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) helps protect your myMGCC account by requiring a second verification step in addition to your password. MFA is used to help protect access to important student systems such as myMGCC, Canvas, SIS, student email, Navigate, Microsoft 365, and other VCCS-connected services.

1. What Is MFA?

MFA requires more than one form of verification when signing in. Usually, this means:

• Something you know: your myMGCC password
• Something you have: a phone, mobile device, authenticator app, or approved verification method

This second step helps protect your account even if someone else learns or guesses your password.

2. Before You Start

Before setting up MFA, make sure you have:

• Your myMGCC username
• Your current myMGCC password
• A phone or mobile device, if using an authenticator app
• Access to a computer, laptop, or larger screen if you need to scan a QR code
• Enough time to complete the setup before closing the browser window

3. Choose an Authenticator App

When prompted to set up MFA, you may be asked to use or select an authenticator app. The available options may vary depending on the current VCCS setup screen.

Common authenticator app options may include:

• RapidIdentity
• Microsoft Authenticator
• Google Authenticator
• Another supported authenticator app, if allowed by the setup screen

4. Set Up MFA from myMGCC

The exact screens may change over time, but the general setup process is usually similar.

1. On a computer or laptop, go to myMGCC.
2. Enter your myMGCC username.
3. Enter your myMGCC password.
4. If prompted to set up MFA, follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Select the authenticator app option you plan to use.
6. If the first QR code is only for downloading the app, continue to the next screen after installing the app.
7. Wait for the setup QR code that is used to link your account to the authenticator app.
8. Keep the QR code visible on your computer screen while you complete the phone setup.

5. Scan the Setup QR Code

After the setup QR code appears on your computer screen, open the authenticator app on your phone and add a new account.

RapidIdentity

1. Open the RapidIdentity app.
2. Select the option to add a new account.
3. Select Scan QR Code.
4. Allow camera access if prompted.
5. Scan the setup QR code shown on your computer screen.
6. Follow the prompts in the app and on the computer screen to complete setup.

Microsoft Authenticator

1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
2. Select the option to add a new account.
3. Follow the account type or QR-code instructions shown by the myMGCC / VCCS setup screen.
4. Allow camera access if prompted.
5. Scan the setup QR code shown on your computer screen.
6. Follow the prompts in the app and on the computer screen to complete setup.

Google Authenticator

1. Open the Google Authenticator app.
2. Select the option to add a new account.
3. Select Scan a QR code.
4. Allow camera access if prompted.
5. Scan the setup QR code shown on your computer screen.
6. Follow the prompts in the app and on the computer screen to complete setup.

6. Complete Verification

After the QR code is scanned, the authenticator app should display a one-time code that changes regularly.

1. Look at the one-time code shown in your authenticator app.
2. Enter that code into the verification box on your computer screen.
3. Submit the code before it expires.
4. If the code expires, wait for the next code and enter the new one.
5. Finish the remaining on-screen prompts.

7. Using MFA After Setup

After MFA is set up, you may be asked for a code or authentication approval when signing in to myMGCC or other VCCS-connected systems.

1. Sign in with your myMGCC username and password.
2. When prompted, open your authenticator app.
3. Enter the current one-time code or approve the authentication request, depending on your setup method.
4. If you see an option such as Remember this computer, only use it on a personal device you trust.

8. Replacing or Upgrading Your Phone

If you replace, reset, or lose your phone, your authenticator app may not continue working automatically.

Before Replacing Your Phone

• Check whether your authenticator app supports backup or transfer.
• Make sure your phone number and alternate contact information are current in college systems.
• If possible, keep your old phone available until MFA works on the new phone.

After Replacing Your Phone

• If your authenticator app still shows valid codes, try signing in normally.
• If the codes do not work, your MFA profile may need to be reset.
• Contact Student Services or the MGCC I.T. Help Desk for help.

9. If You Do Not Have a Smartphone

If you do not have a smartphone or mobile device available for MFA, contact Student Services or the MGCC I.T. Help Desk before attempting setup.

Approved options may vary by account, available VCCS methods, and identity-verification requirements.

10. Troubleshooting MFA Problems

The Code Does Not Work

• Wait for the next code and try again.
• Make sure your phone’s date and time are set to update automatically.
• Confirm that you are using the code for the correct account.
• If you have multiple authenticator entries, choose the one for myMGCC / VCCS.

I Am Not Receiving a Prompt

• Open the authenticator app manually.
• Check that app notifications are allowed.
• Make sure your phone has internet access if your method uses push notifications.
• If you are using one-time codes, use the current code shown in the app.

I Started Setup but Did Not Finish

• Try signing in again and completing setup.
• If you cannot continue setup or cannot sign in, contact Student Services or the MGCC I.T. Help Desk.

I Replaced My Phone

• Try your authenticator app on the new phone if it transferred successfully.
• If codes or prompts do not work, request an MFA reset.
• Student Services or the MGCC I.T. Help Desk may need to verify your identity before resetting MFA.

11. Security Notice for Password and MFA Resets

This protects your account from someone else trying to take over your myMGCC access.

12. Need Assistance or an MFA Reset?

If you need help setting up MFA, replacing a phone, resetting your MFA profile, or signing in to myMGCC, contact Student Services or the MGCC I.T. Help Desk.

Student Services

• Phone: (540) 863-2820
• In Person: Backels Hall, 1st Floor

MGCC I.T. Help Desk

• Phone: (540) 863-2911
• Online Ticket: Submit an MGCC I.T. Student Support Ticket

Official VCCS MFA Documentation

• VCCS myVCCS MFA Support Portal
• VCCS MFA Setup Guide

13. Quick Reference

References

• VCCS myVCCS MFA Support Portal
• VCCS MFA Setup Guide
• VCCS / NOVA RapidIdentity TOTP Setup Guide
• VCCS / NOVA Microsoft Authenticator TOTP Setup Guide
• VCCS / CVCC Multi-Factor Authentication FAQ

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