Skip to Main Content

Online Tools at NSCC: Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

This guide is meant to help students navigate NSCC online tools..

Multi Factor Authentication

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is mandatory for all off campus access to NSCC services.

MFA is used to make sure you are who you say you are which makes your account more secure.

MFA does this by requiring two or more factors [pieces of evidence] that prove your identity. Second factors can be:

  • Something you know:   a password or passphrase
  • Something you have:  a code from a smart phone app or security token
  • Something unique to you:  fingerprint or retinal pattern

When you have MFA enabled, you will be prompted for a second factor after entering your username and password, usually a code you will receive on a trusted device (phone).

 

How to set up Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and add factors to your account [make sure to set your desired default].

Accessing the Security Info Portal

To add or modify a factor you'll need your computer and your phone. Follow these instructions:

On your computer

  1. Visit https://www.office.com
  2. Click “Sign in” in the upper right corner
  3. Enter your wNumber@campus.nscc.ca and click the “Next” button
  4. You will be prompted for your username and password – please enter your wNumber@campus.nscc.ca as the username and your NSCC account password and click the “OK” button
  5. You will be brought to the Microsoft Office Home portal
  6.  In the upper right corner of the page click your account profile picture or initials
  7. Click “View Account” from the menu

  1. On the Account page, click “UPDATE INFO” in the Security Info section

 

  1. Click “Add Method” on the Security Info page
  2. Select the desired method from the drop down – Authenticator app in this case
  3. Click the “Add” button
  4. Click the “Next” button at the Start by getting the app screen
  5. Click the “Next” button on the Set up your account screen
     

On your Android or Apple Phone:

  1. Open the App Store or Play store on your smart phone, search for the Microsoft Authenticator and install the application
  2. Once it is installed, locate and launch the Microsoft Authenticator app [on the home screen or in the app drawer]

  1. Click the “+” in the upper right corner of the app

  1. Select the “Work or school account” option from the list

  1. When prompted, Click “Scan QR Code”
  1. Hold your phone up in front of your computer screen, aligning the red square/line with the QR code shown on the computer

Once this has competed, you have now added the Microsoft Authenticator app as another factor to your account. The system will now send a test notification to your phone. When you see the pop up, click the “Approve” button.

You will now see the Microsoft Authenticator in the list of factors associated with your account.

 

Making the Microsoft Authenticator App your Default Sign-in Method

Your default sign-in method is what Office 365 will use automatically when you sign in. We recommend you choose the "Microsoft Authenticator - notification" option as it is the most secure and convenient.

  1. Visit the Microsoft Shortened address https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo or follow the instructions above to access the My Sign-Ins Security portal
  2. Click the "Change" link next to Default Sign-in method

  1. Choose "Microsoft Authenticator - notification" from the drop down list and click the "Confirm" button
  2. Once changed, a notification will appear in the upper right corner. You have now changed the factor associated with your MFA

 

We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator App on your smart phone - for instructions, please see: