
How to set up Multi-Factor Authentication for your starid.
Multi‐Factor Authentication for Office 365
Saint Paul College is in the process of piloting multi‐factor authentication (MFA) for Microsoft Office 365. This article includes the steps involved in configuring MFA options for your account. It is intended for all Saint Paul College faculty and staff.
What is Multi‐Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi‐Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the most effective ways to keep your account secure while also keeping access to the account simple to use. Rather than a single piece of information to identify you, such as a password, additional information is required. Most people have used MFA in some form, such as when using an ATM: access requires both your bank card, as well as your PIN. In the case of Office 365, you use your password along with another piece of information to ensure that it’s really you who is accessing the account. Microsoft provides several different options for MFA. You can select the one that best fits your working situation.
Setting up MFA methods for your account
The following steps will guide you through the one‐time MFA account configuration. The MFA authentication method you choose will be used when you login to an Office 365 service that requires MFA for authentication. You cannot login to a service that requires MFA without first configuring your MFA settings.
Initiate additional security verification (MFA method)
MFA methods
You can choose from several MFA options and can use different options in different situations, depending on what's most convenient for you. Please read through the options so you make an informed choice. If your work situation changes, or you would like to use a different MFA option, you can always revisit the site to make the change.
Option 1: Authentication Phone ‐ (Call or text a phone number)
1a. Call me ‐ If you select the Phone Call method, you are setting up your MFA authentication to call you when you want to authenticate. It is recommended to use a mobile phone that you always have with you, so you can authenticate no matter where you are located. You will need to be able to access the phone during configuration. You can also enter alternate phone number that will be used if the first phone number is not answered or goes to voicemail.
1b. Send me a code by text message ‐ If you select the text message method, you are setting up your MFA authentication to send you a text message with a 6‐digit code to use when you authenticate. It is recommended to use a mobile phone that you always have with you, so you can authenticate no matter where you are located. You will need to be able to access the phone during configuration. You will also enter a backup phone number that will be used if the first phone number is not answered or goes to voicemail.
Option 2: Call My Office Phone ‐ (Call my desk phone)
Your Saint Paul College office phone number will be pre‐populated in the additional security verification page. This option does require that you are near your office phone during authentication into Office 365. Your office phone will receive a phone call and you will be prompted to accept or deny your login. This is the most limited MFA method, as it requires that you be in your office to answer your desk phone.
Option 3: Mobile App ‐ (Microsoft Authenticator App) ‐ Best User Experience
Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator App from Google Play or the Apple App Store

3a. Receive notifications for verification ‐ This option pushes a notification to the authenticator app on your smartphone or tablet. View the notification and, if it is legitimate, press ✔ Approve or ✖ Deny to confirm that you expected that login and the rest is automatic.
3b. Use verification code ‐ For this option, the authenticator app generates a verification code that updates every 30 seconds. Enter the most current verification code in the sign‐in interface.
If you have trouble configuring your MFA options, please contact
Saint Paul College IT Help Desk for support:
Phone: 651.846.1440
Email: helpdesk@saintpaul.edu
Walk‐in: 1470
MFA method set up
Option 1a: Authentication Phone ‐ Call me