Microsoft MFA: Set Up and Manage Verification Methods

Overview

Cedar Crest College uses multifactor authentication (MFA) to help protect your FalconNet account and College information.

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to verify your identity when signing in to Microsoft 365 and other College services that use Microsoft authentication.

In addition to your FalconNet username and password, you may be asked to approve a notification through Microsoft Authenticator or enter a verification code.

Microsoft Authenticator is the recommended verification method. SMS text messaging may also be available as an alternative.

Before You Begin

You will need:

  • Your Cedar Crest College email address and FalconNet password.
  • A smartphone or another device that supports an approved verification method.
  • Access to a computer or web browser to complete setup.

If using Microsoft Authenticator, install the free application on your smartphone:

Tip: It is easier to complete the initial setup using a computer while keeping your smartphone nearby.

Step 1: Access Your Microsoft Security Information

  1. Open a web browser and visit Microsoft Security Information.
  2. Sign in using your Cedar Crest College email address and FalconNet password.
  3. If prompted, complete any existing verification requirements.
  4. You will see the Security info page, where you can add and manage your verification methods.

If this is your first time setting up MFA, Microsoft may automatically guide you through the registration process with a message such as Let's keep your account secure.

Select Next and follow the instructions.

Step 2: Set Up Microsoft Authenticator (Recommended)

  1. On the Microsoft Security info page, select Add sign-in method.
  2. Select Microsoft Authenticator from the available options, then select Add.
  3. Select Next to begin setup.
  4. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone.
  5. Tap the + icon to add an account.
  6. Select Work or school account.
  7. Select Scan a QR code.
  8. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer.
  9. Return to your computer and select Next.
  10. If prompted, approve the test notification in Microsoft Authenticator. You may need to enter the number displayed on your computer into the app.
  11. Complete the remaining prompts.

Once setup is complete, your Cedar Crest College account should appear in Microsoft Authenticator.

Important: Do not scan the QR code using your phone's regular camera application. Scan it from within Microsoft Authenticator.

Step 3: Set Up SMS Text Message Verification (Alternative Method)

If SMS text message verification is available for your account, you can add your mobile phone as another verification method.

  1. Visit Microsoft Security Information.
  2. Select Add sign-in method.
  3. Choose Phone and select Add.
  4. Select your country code and enter your mobile phone number.
  5. Choose Text me a code, if available.
  6. Select Next.
  7. Microsoft will send a verification code to your phone.
  8. Enter the code on your computer and select Next.
  9. Select Done when verification is complete.

Your phone number will now appear in your available security information.

Note: The verification methods available to you depend on Cedar Crest College's Microsoft security settings. SMS may not be available for every account or sign-in scenario.

Step 4: Using MFA When Signing In

When signing in to Microsoft 365 or another service that requires MFA, you may be prompted to verify your identity.

Microsoft Authenticator

  1. Enter your FalconNet credentials.
  2. When prompted, open Microsoft Authenticator on your phone.
  3. Review the sign-in request.
  4. If number matching is requested, enter the number shown on your sign-in screen.
  5. Approve the request to complete sign-in.

SMS Text Message

  1. Enter your FalconNet credentials.
  2. Select text message verification if it is available.
  3. Check your phone for the verification code.
  4. Enter the code on the sign-in screen.
  5. Complete sign-in.

Use Another Verification Method

If your usual verification method is unavailable:

  1. On the Microsoft verification screen, select Sign in another way or the equivalent option.
  2. Choose another verification method you previously registered.
  3. Complete the verification process.

You can only use methods that are already registered and permitted for that sign-in.

How often will I be prompted?

You may not be asked to verify your identity every time you sign in. The frequency depends on Microsoft security policies, the application, your device, and other sign-in conditions.

Changing or Updating Your MFA Methods

You can update your verification methods when you get a new phone, change your phone number, or want to use Microsoft Authenticator instead of SMS.

  1. Visit Microsoft Security Information.
  2. Sign in with your FalconNet account.
  3. Review your registered verification methods.
  4. Select Add sign-in method to register a new method.
  5. Follow the instructions to verify the new method.
  6. Once the new method is working, remove any old methods you no longer use.

If your Security info page offers a Default sign-in method option, you may be able to change your preferred verification method.

Important: Always register and test your new verification method before removing the old one.

Getting a New Phone?

If you are replacing your phone, update Microsoft Authenticator before erasing or trading in your old device.

  1. Keep your old phone available.
  2. Install Microsoft Authenticator on your new phone.
  3. Visit Microsoft Security Information.
  4. Add Microsoft Authenticator on the new phone.
  5. Complete setup and verify that it works.
  6. Remove the old Authenticator registration from your security information.

Do not assume that transferring your phone's apps or restoring a backup automatically transfers your College MFA registration. You may need to register the new device.

If you no longer have your old phone but have another registered verification method, use that method to sign in and update your security information.

Troubleshooting Common MFA Problems

I Am Not Receiving Authenticator Notifications

  • Confirm that your phone has an internet connection.
  • Open Microsoft Authenticator directly to check for pending requests.
  • Make sure notifications are enabled for the application.
  • Confirm that your phone's date and time are set correctly.
  • Update Microsoft Authenticator if an update is available.

I Am Not Receiving Text Messages

  • Confirm that your phone has cellular service.
  • Verify that the registered phone number is correct.
  • Check whether your phone is blocking or filtering messages.
  • Wait briefly before requesting another code.
  • Try another registered verification method if available.

I Lost My Phone or Cannot Access My MFA Methods

If you cannot access any of your registered verification methods, IT Support may need to verify your identity and help you register a new method.

Submit an IT Support Request.

Describe the issue and indicate that you need assistance with your Microsoft MFA verification methods.

I Received an MFA Request That I Did Not Initiate

Do not approve the request.

An unexpected MFA request could indicate that someone else is attempting to access your account.

  • Deny the request.
  • Do not share verification codes with anyone.
  • Report the unexpected request to IT Support promptly.
  • If you suspect your password has been compromised, change it using the College's approved password reset process.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you are having trouble setting up MFA, changing verification methods, or signing in to your College account, submit an IT Support Request.

Include a description of the problem and any error messages you receive.

Never include your password, MFA verification codes, or recovery information in a support request.

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