Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication For Office 365

Introduction

Office 365 is St. Cloud State University's email and storage solution for all students and employees, offering anytime, anywhere access to email, documents, contacts, and calendars.

To enhance account security, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required. MFA verifies your identity using two factors:

• Something you know (your StarID and password)
• Something you have (a trusted device such as a mobile phone)

This protects your account and the SCSU community from unauthorized access.

More information is available on the https://www.stcloudstate.edu/its/office-365/mfa.aspx.

If you are unable to enroll in MFA, please contact the HuskyTech/IT department. Contact details are available on the https://www.stcloudstate.edu/its/huskytech/default.aspx.

Preparation

1. Decide which devices and verification methods you will use.
2. Keep those devices nearby during setup.
3. It is recommended to configure at least two different verification methods and, if possible, two different devices.
4. Available options are listed in the https://www.stcloudstate.edu/its/office-365/mfa.aspx.

Step-by-Step Setup

Log in to Office 365
Visit https://login.microsoftonline.com/?whr=minnstate.edu

• Students: Use StarID@go.minnstate.edu and your StarID password
• Faculty/Staff/Emeritus: Use StarID@minnstate.edu and your StarID password

Begin MFA Setup
You should see a prompt: "More Information Required"

• Click Next
• If you do not see this screen, sign out and sign back in. If the issue persists, contact HuskyTech.

Choose Verification Method
You will be asked: "How should we contact you?"
Choose one of the following:

• Mobile App- 

  • If you choose to use the Mobile App method, please note that this is the default option presented during MFA setup. If you do not wish to use the mobile app, you must manually select a different method (such as Authentication Phone or Office Phone) on the setup screen.

    Recommendation:
    If you are using the Mobile App method, we strongly recommend completing the setup on a computer rather than a mobile device. This is because you will need to scan a QR code displayed on the screen using your mobile device.

• Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app (recommended) or a third-party app
  • Choose:
    • Receive notifications for verification: Click Set up, scan the QR code, and approve the notification
    • Use verification code: Click Configure app without notifications, scan the new QR code, and enter the code shown in the app

• Authentication Phone

  • Enter your phone number
  • Choose either:
    • Text message: Enter the code sent to your device and click Verify
    • Voice call: Answer the call (will show as "RESTRICTED") and follow the instructions

• Office Phone

  • Enter your office phone number
  • Answer the call and follow the instructions

Backup Verification Method

• Enter an alternate phone number for backup verification
• This number will not be used during setup but is essential if your primary device is lost or inaccessible
• Consider using a trusted family member’s phone

Completion

Once all steps are completed, MFA will be enabled for your Office 365 account.