Overview
Up to now you only had a password to protect your account. If someone got hold of your password (an authentication factor), this person could use your username and password to impersonate you. If the system would request a second or third unique factor, taking over your account is a lot harder. There are 3 factors of authentication:
- Something you know: your password
- Something you have: your (smart)phone
- Something you are: your fingerprint
As you can see, with MFA just stealing your password will not be enough to take control of your account.
Issue
Microsoft 365 is currently using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), relying on a password and a phone. In short it can be explained in the following steps:
- Your Office 365 account gets enabled for MFA
- Next time you logon to an Microsoft 365 account you need to configure MFA (this requires a web browser)
- You identify the methods of the second authentication. If you have an iPhone or Android we recommend the Authenticator App (see screenshot of the app on an iPhone)
- After you complete configuration, MFA will be invoked each time you connect to an Microsoft 365 service from a new device.
Troubleshooting
If you have a smartphone, we recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator App. It makes using Microsoft 365 MFA quick and easy. Install it ahead of time from the:
Also, when you use your fingerprint to unlock the smartphone, you are truly using 3-factor authentication.
Additional Information
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.