Are you concerned about the security of your information online? We are.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) provides an additional capability to further secure your Penn College account by providing additional ways to verify your identity when performing certain account actions like logging in to specific systems, changing a password, or working with sensitive data.
MFA is required when using a personal device. If using a College-owned computer connected to the campus network, MFA will not be required.
Alternate Methods of Identification
Like Self-Service Password Reset, you can choose your methods of alternate identification. For MFA, you may choose any or all of the following:
- Authenticator Notification (tap Approve or Decline on a pop-up notification on your mobile phone or tablet)
- Authenticator Code from a mobile app or desktop app*
- Authentication Phone Call/Text (enter a code sent to you in a text message or spoken over the phone)
- OATH compliant TOTP hardware token - submit a ticket or contact the IT Service Desk for assistance with this method
In most cases, we recommend that you use the Microsoft Authenticator app or your own authenticator app if you already have one. Set up as many alternate authentication methods as you have available - you are not limited to just one!
Registering for MFA
Registering for MFA is done at the same time you register for SSPR (Self-Service Password Reset). If you have already registered for SSPR, you do not need to register again for MFA.
To register, follow these steps
- Visit https://aka.ms/setupsecurityinfo from a computer or laptop.
- Login with your full Penn College email address.
- You will be required to configure two authentication methods.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to finish setting up your authentication methods.
Need a little extra assistance? Contact the Information Technology Service Desk for more information.
* Your privacy matters. Your alternate contact methods are not visible to other faculty, staff or students and will only be used to initiate account actions upon your request.
Updating MFA
After you have registered for MFA, you may update your identification methods any time by visiting the setup utility at https://aka.ms/setupsecurityinfo again.
Lost your Authenticator?
Click Sign in another way when prompted for alternate identification. Be sure to update your authenticator information after you've successfully signed in.
If you need assistance with this, you can visit the IT Service Desk. Be sure to bring a photo ID with you to validate your identity.
Coverage
Our MFA service currently covers all applications and services in the Office 365 suite (e.g., email, Teams, OneDrive, & etc.) as well as a growing list of other applications. A detailed list of applications and services that require MFA can be found in the MFA Enabled Applications and Services knowledge base article.