Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your Office 365 account by requiring a second verification method besides your password. This way, even if someone steals your password, they can’t access your account or data without your approval.
To set up MFA, you need a smart phone (iOS or Android) that can run the Microsoft Authenticator app. This app lets you confirm or reject login attempts with one tap, instead of entering a 6-digit code. It also works offline, so you don’t have to worry about roaming charges when you travel. Follow the guidelines below to get started with MFA for Microsoft 365.
At any point, if you have questions or encounter problems, please get help from your office administrator or open a ticket directly with Dynamic Computing for assistance.
To open a ticket with Dynamic Computing:
E-mail: service@dyncomputing.com
Phone: 206-284-6200
Once your admin enables your organization, and your account, for multi-factor authentication (MFA) you have to set up your user account to use it. This should only take a minute or so.
For best results, please make sure that your cell phone is disconnected from your company WiFi during the MFA setup process.
This app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. You can find it by searching for “Microsoft Authenticator” directly on your phone. The icon should look like what you see above this text and the developer should say "Microsoft"
Before starting please make sure to have your mobile device with the Microsoft Authenticator app with you and ready.
NOTE: Your image will not have a red "X" obscuring the QR code.
This image provided for instructional purposes only.
If you get a new phone you'll most likely need to re-setup MFA on this new device. In some situations the authenticator will carry over, but this is not common.
To setup Microsoft MFA on a new phone you'll need to still have access to your old [working] phone in case you're prompted to approve an MFA request when signing in.
For best results, please make sure that your cell phone is disconnected from your company WiFi during the MFA setup process.
As with any technology the potential issues range in complexity. Below are a few of the more simple to resolve issues:
The most common issue is that a push notification is not showing properly on the phone (the alert saying you need to approve the sign in attempt). In most cases you will have success if you open the Microsoft Authenticator app before you try triggering the MFA prompt from your computer.
This may be a sign that your email app either doesn't support the required security or that it's version is too old.
We strongly recommend that all users that wish to access email on their phones use the "Microsoft Outlook" app and nothing else. This app is free and supports all the latest security from Microsoft.
If you're already using Microsoft Outlook on your phone, then this may be resolved by uninstalling and reinstalling the application.
Please see the following Microsoft articles if you need additional assistance when setting up Outlook on your phone:
The Support Team
Dynamic Computing, Inc.
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 920 | Seattle, Washington 98104
Main: (206) 284·6200 | Toll Free: (855) 284·6200
service@dyncomputing.com
Article ID: 1753
Created: November 16, 2023
Last Updated: September 30, 2024
Author: [joshua@dyncomputing.com]
Online URL: https://dyncomputing.knowledgebase.co/article.php?id=1753