What Is MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

In order to provide added protection to college data Thiel employs 2-factor or "multi-factor" authentication. In addition to using their username and password, under certain circumstances, users must also authenticate using a phone (second factor of authentication) in addition to their username and password (first factor of authentication). The advantage of adding a second factor of authentication is that in the event that a user's credentials (username/password) are compromised, that alone will be insufficient for someone to gain access to sensitive college data. They would also need to gain possession of the user's phone in order to make use of the compromised credentials. Thiel uses Azure MFA to provide this second factor of authentication and increase the protection of college data.

Factors of Authentication

• Something you know
  • Username and Password/Passphrase
  • PIN
  • Answering Security questions
• Something you have
  • Device such as a phone, token, security badge, etc.
• Something you are
  • Biometrics such as fingerprint scan, retinal scan, etc.

 

The guides below can be followed to setup and configure MFA for your account.

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication

Set up 2-step verification for Office 365

Setting up Security Info on Sign-in Prompt

Change Your MFA Settings

Outlook Application Generate App Password Setup

 Azure MFA (Video Guide)

Microsoft My Account (View Your Account)

Microsoft My Account (Video Guide)

Microsoft Manage Security Information (Video Guide)

Set up Authenticator on a new phone (Video Guide)

 

You can also setup MFA on your own personal accounts.  Which the college recommends.  

Google, Apple, Microsoft, and a host of other companies all support MFA You can find a list of websites that offer MFA by visiting https://twofactorauth.org/

MFA Infograph