Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

What is MFA?

MFA is an added security layer used when logging into an account. It generally relies on combining something you know (e.g., a passphrase) with something you have (e.g., a mobile phone).

Factors can be thought of as evidence that you are the right person trying to log in to the account. They must differ from one another.

• Factor 1: This is something you know—when you try to log in to your email, you enter your email address and your password/passphrase.
• Factor 2: This is something you have—after entering your email and password/passphrase, you are prompted to approve or deny the authentication request on your mobile app.

Benefits of MFA

The benefit of MFA comes if or when your password is compromised. If someone else tries to log in to your account, you’ll receive the MFA prompt on your phone. This will alert you to the fraudulent activity, and you can deny the login request. This keeps your account secure, even if the password/passphrase is compromised.

Setup

To access your Office 365 account, MFA needs to be activated, and setting it up is easy.

You can take a look at the video below for steps on how to get the process underway.