What is MFA?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) means using more than one key (e.g. password) to log on to a given service. You are probably familiar with MFA if your bank sends you a text message when you log in. We are implementing MFA for all Office 365 apps (like email, Teams, Word, etc.).
Why MFA?
MFA is a standard practice at most colleges, universities, and businesses that allow access to protected information. It helps protect personal and institutional information from theft, cyberattack, and ransomware. Additionally, K must implement MFA by July 1, 2022 to renew our cybersecurity insurance. Use of MFA will be required for all who use K’s Office 365 apps.
How do I setup MFA and when?
All Kalamazoo College members who use K’s Office 365 apps will need to setup MFA at https://aka.ms/MFAsetup. The process is easiest if you finish setup before the “completed by” date listed in the MFA implementation schedule. If you don’t complete setup before the “completed by” date, when you next log on to an Office 365 app, you will be presented with a screen with instructions.
MFA implementation schedule
| K College Members | Completed By |
|---|---|
| Information Services | May 6 (6th week) |
| Pilot groups, President’s Staff, and early adopters | May 13 (7th week) |
| Idle accounts (no sign-ins in the last six months), new employee accounts, more pilot groups | May 20 (8th week) |
| Students | May 27 (9th week) |
| Staff | June 3 (10th week) |
| Faculty | June 17 |
MFA Setup
- Go to https://aka.ms/MFAsetup before the “completed by” date listed in the MFA implementation schedule.
- For the easiest and most secure method of authentication, download either the Microsoft Authenticator app (Apple App Store) or Microsoft Authenticator app (Google Play).
Note: If you don’t complete setup before the deadline, when you next log on to an Office 365 app, you will be presented with a screen with instructions. You will need to complete MFA setup before proceeding.
Using email on a smartphone?
If you use email on a smartphone, you may need to remove and re-add your email account to your mobile device, which will enable modern authentication.
When do I need to use MFA?
Each time you log in to any Office 365 app, you will use a second authentication factor. If you stay logged in to an app, you can use it without reauthenticating for up to 90 days. Each Office 365 app is distinct, so, for example, you’d need to use MFA to log in to email and then again to log in to OneDrive.
Problems or questions?
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions about MFA, or contact the Help Desk at 269.337.5800 or HelpDesk@kzoo.edu.
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