Microsoft Account Security (MFA)

To help protect you and the University from cyber attacks, your Lawrence University account will require additional security measures.  Known as Multi-factor authentication (MFA), or sometimes called 2-factor authentication will be required for everyone with a Lawrence University account.  This means you will be asked to verify your Lawrence account using at least two methods besides your password.  There are four methods to choose from.  If you have a smartphone the best choice is the multi-factor authentication app but other options include a phone call, text message, alternate email address. These authentication will occur when accessing Office 365 apps like email, Teams or OneDrive; or Voyager.  Please note that depending on the device and where you are accessing your account from you may or may not be required to take this extra authentication step.

To set up your multi-factor authentication methods you will need the following:

• Mobile phone
• A Computer
• Lawrence login information

Instructions for setting up sign in security (multi-factor authentication)

  1. From a computer, go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.  Do not do this step on your phone.
  2. If you are not already signed-in to your Office 365 account you will be prompted to login. Sign-in with your username@lawrence.edu
  3. At the Lawrence password page enter your Lawrence network password and click Sign in.
  4. The Security info page will display. The system may already have a phone number listed that you can activate – only activate this number if it is your mobile number. 
  5. Technology services suggests setting up two methods. You MUST setup at least one.  Your choices are:
  • Microsoft Authenticator App - Technology Services recommends this option to be setup as your DEFAULT sign in option.   This option requires you to use the app on your smart phone.
  • Phone – call or text
  • Alternative Phone

To setup the Microsoft authenticator app you will need both your mobile phone and a computer available as you will be working between the two devices.

  1. From the computer: click Add Method and select Authenticator app. Click Add.
  2. The system will prompt you to get the app for your smartphone. From your phone’s app store to find and install the latest version of the Microsoft Authenticator app from Microsoft.
  3. After the app is installed click Next on the computer to continue setup.  Follow the instruction on the computer to finish setting up the Authenticator app on your phone.  Note, you will need to allow the app to use your camera to scan the QR code.

Setting up Phone Call or Text as a Sign In Security method:  (“Call me” is the recommended second method).

1. Click Add method
2. Select Phone 
3. Click Add
4. Select the country code and type in your 10-digit phone number.
5. Choose text me a code or call me.
6. Click Next.
7. A code or call will come to your phone.
8. On the computer: enter the code sent to you and click Next.
9. Click Done at the success message.

Alternate Phone (this allows for a second – or “alternate” phone to be used)

1. From computer click Add method
2. Select Alternate Phone 
3. Click Add
4. Select the country code and type in your 10-digit phone number.
5. Click Next.
6. A call will come to your phone.
7. Listen to the message and response as requested.

8. On the computer: Click Done at the success message.

 

IMPORTANT, Set Your Default Method

Once you have two methods setup set the Default to be the Microsoft Authenticator App

  1. Click Change
  2. Select App based authentication – notification from dropdown.
  3. Click Confirm.

REMINDER:  After you have configured your two methods  select “Change your Default Sign-in Method” and select the method you want.   Technology Services encourages using the Authenticator App as the default sign-in method.
If you have any questions about this process or why Technology Services is enforcing this please contact the helpdesk at helpdesk@lawrence.edu or by calling 920-832-6570 (Monday through Friday, 8AM- 5PM)