Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication

Beginning November 4, 2024, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be enabled on all student Microsoft 365 accounts. 

You will need to set up MFA in order to sign-in to Microsoft 360, which is used to access a variety of online resources, including:

  • Student Email (Outlook on the Web)
  • OneDrive for Business
  • Microsoft Teams
  • SharePoint Online
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Webex

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA, or Two-Factor Authentication) adds an extra layer of security to protect your student Microsoft 365 account sign-in. Your password is the first layer, something that you know, and your mobile phone is the second layer, something that you have. Even if someone gets your password, they will not be able to sign into your account because they do not have your phone.

Visit this web site to learn more. What is: Multi-Factor authentication.

How to Set Up MFA

When setting up Multi-Factor Authentication for the first time, you have the option of using either the free Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile phone, or using a phone number to receive text messages or phone calls.

Choose the method you wish to use, then scroll down to complete the steps below to set up your mobile phone or a phone number.

You will need both a computer and your mobile phone or the ability to answer a phone call.

This should take about 5 minutes to complete, and will only need to be done once. Learn more about the setup options below:

Set up the free Microsoft Authenticator app

The preferred verification method is to use the free Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your phone.

Follow the steps below to install and setup this app on your mobile phone or tablet device.

Steps for setting up the free Microsoft Authenticator app

Set up a phone number

If you would rather have verification codes texted to your phone or to receive a phone call, click or tap on the links below and follow the steps in that section to setup your phone number.

Steps for setting up a Phone Number for texted verification codes or to receive call

Add an alternate MFA method

If you are all setup with Multi-Factor Authentication, you can add an alternate MFA method to your Microsoft 365 sign-in to ensure you are able to sign-in even if you no longer have the phone or phone number you just setup.

Click or tap on the link below and follow the steps to setup an alternate MFA method.

Steps for adding an Alternate MFA Method to your student Microsoft sign-in

What if You Lose Your Device or Phone Number?

We often do not think about the ways we use our phone or phone number to verify our identity online, until we have already wiped and turned in the device or have received a new phone number. Only when we try to sign into an account protected by MFA do we realize what we have done.

The good news is that you will still be able to access your student Microsoft 365 sign-in.

For more information, go to What to do if you no longer have the phone or phone number used to sign in to your account.

Need Help?

If you need assistance setting up MFA on your account, please contact the FRCC IT Help Desk during normal business hours. For after-hours help, call the 24x7 Help Desk at: 1-888-800-9198 or visit this website: help.cccs.edu

PLEASE NOTE that depending on the issue, the 24x7 Help Desk may ask you to visit your campus IT Help Desk in person, or you may need to wait to receive a call back from someone from the IT Help Desk to resolve your issue.