Multi-Factor Authentication

Two-factor Authentication or Multi-factor Authentication are methods which a you a required to provide two or more pieces of authentication when accessing school systems.  In our case this is your normal password plus either a code texted to your mobile phone or the use of an app such as the Microsoft Authentication app to approve logins.

Two-factor Authentication significantly improves the security of the School systems.  If an attacker manages to guess your password, they would also need your mobile phone before they could access your data.

When you login to a non-School computer or mobile device using Office 365, you will soon start being asked to provide a second confirmation using your chosen method of multi-factor authentication.  Once done it will remember you for normally 60 days before having to use it again.

There are 5 different methods you can setup for multi-factor authentication.  We highly recommend using the Authentication app or Token method by installing the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.

Setting up Two-Factor Authentication with the Microsoft Authenticator App

Step 1 - Click here to be taken to the Office 365 Additional security verification page.

Step 2 - Click on the blue button "Set up Authenticator App"

Step 3 - Flow the instructions on the screen, Install the App to your phone and scan the QR code using your phone.

Step 4 - Once done it will ask you to approve the request and the app will pop up on your phone.

The next time you need to use two-factor authentication the app on your phone will ask you to approve or deny the request.  If you did not attempt to sign in and you get a request, make sure you deny it!

Setting up other methods

Using the same link above you can also setup the following additional methods should you choose or not have a smart phone to install the app onto.

• Authentication phone - Microsoft will text you a code each time you need to use 2FA
• Office phone - Microsoft will call your official school number with a code.
• Alternative authentication phone - another number of your choice that you can use.

What's your preferred option?

If you setup multiple options you have the choice of which one is used by default.  We strongly recommend choosing notify me through app for the easiest experience.