Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an effective method to strengthen account security.
Passwords are vulnerable to being compromised through a variety of attacks including
phishing, social engineering and brute-force. MFA strengthens security by requiring
your password + a one-time code from an authenticator app on your smartphone, emailed
to your non-SMC email or sent to you as a text/SMS message.
The following step-by-step instructions detail how to set up MFA once SMC IT has enabled
MFA for your account.
Install one of the following mobile applications on your device:
Note: It is recommended that you use the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you do not have
access to a smart phone to install one of these authenticator apps, alternate MFA
methods such receiving the one-time code through a text/SMS message or an email to your non-SMC email address
are available.
Log into the application using your SMC username and password.
In the new window MOBILE AUTHENTICATOR ENROLLMENT, select the Phone Type.
On your phone, open the authenticator app and click Scan QRcode to scan the QR code on the screen. Once the 6-digit numeric code appears in the app, enter it in the "2nd Factor / One Time Passcode" field and press the Continue button
After adding the code, a new message appears: Mobile Auth Enabled Successfully. Click "Continue logging in"
You will be prompted to login again, now with the MFA code from the newly installed Authenticator app on your phone:
You will be directed through Microsoft and asked to stay signed in. Click "Yes":
After you're logged in again, you will see your account settings. Go to the Registered Phones section and add your Phone Number:
Enter the One Time Passcode sent to your phone as a text message:
You will see the message: Phone Enrollment Successful.
To verify this phone method worked, go to outlook.com
You will be prompted to log in and under 2nd Factor / One Time Passcode, there is a link that you can click to choose the first phone option: Problems with this authentication option?. Then click the first option: Send OTP in SMS
After you enter your phone number, you will see a message: OTP successfully sent via SMS/text
You will be directed through Microsoft and asked to stay signed in:
