Setup Multi-Factor Authentication with Microsoft 365

Overview

The University of Alaska uses Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for securing services such as Office 365 @ UA, UAA Enterprise Service Management, etc. By setting up MFA, you add an extra layer of security to your UA account sign-in. For example, you first specify your password and, when prompted, you also type a dynamically generated verification code provided by an authenticator app sent to your phone.

 

Important
Some services are secured by Duo Security, and others by Azure MFA. If you elect to opt-in to MFA, we strongly recommend that you setup your account with both Duo and Azure MFA.

 

In this article:

 

What materials do I need?

 

How do I use this technology?

  1. Open a web browser.
  2. Navigate to https://myprofile.microsoft.com.
  3. When prompted, enter your UA Email address, click Next.

    Microsoft Office 365 Sign in dialog window username prompt
     
  4. Enter your UA password, click sign in.

    Microsoft Office 365 Sign in UA password prompt dialog box
     
  5. At the Stay signed in? prompt, if this is not a public computer it is ok to click Yes, otherwise, click No.

    Microsoft Office 365 Sign in stay signed in dialog prompt
     
  6. On the Overview page of your Microsoft Profile, under the Security info tile, click Update Info >.

    Microsoft Office 365 My Account Overview page
     
  7. Click Add method.

    Microsoft Office 365 My Sign-Ins page, Add method button highlighted
     
    1. When prompted with Which method would you like to add? select Authenticator app, then click Add.

      Office 365 Security Info Add method Authenticator app selected dialog
       
    2. At the Microsoft Authenticator screen you will be prompted to install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone. After you have done so, click Next.

      Office 365 Security Info Add Method Microsoft Authenticator dialog
       
    3. At the Set up your account screen click Next.

      Office 365 Microsoft Authenticator account setup dialog
       
    4. At the Scan the QR code prompt, on your smartphone do the following:
      1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
      2. Click the Add account button,
      3. Click Work or school account.
      4. At the Add work or school account prompt, click Scan QR code.
      5. Place the QR code from your desktop computer's web browser within the bracket on your smartphone's camera.

        Office 365 My Profile Microsoft Authenticator QR code prompt
         
      6. Microsoft will send a approval notification to your smartphone.

        Office 365 My Profile Microsoft Authenticator approve notification example
         
      7. When prompted to Approve Sign-in, click Approve.
      8. Your account should now be added to your Microsoft Authenticator app.
    5. On your desktop computer, the Microsoft Authenticator windows will display a Notification approved message, click Next.

      Office 365 Microsoft Authenticator Notification approved example
       
  8. The Security Info page will update and show the Microsoft Authenticator app listed as an authorized sign-in method.

    Office 365 My Profile Security Info Microsoft Authenticator successfully added

 

Is there any additional information I should know about?

You can also use physical security keys, such as YubiKey, with Azure MFA and Duo Security.

 

Need additional help or have issues

For additional assistance contact the IT Services Technical Support Center via phone at (907) 786-4646, toll-free at (877) 633-3888, email us at uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu.

Details

Article ID: 524
Created
Thu 5/6/21 9:27 AM
Modified
Wed 6/9/21 12:01 PM

Related Services / Offerings (1)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A security system that requires users to prove their identity using more than one factor of authentication to access accounts. It's designed to improve account security and prevent fraudulent account access, improving the basic level of security achieved with just one factor of authentication, usually a password.