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This page is dedicated to information and support for Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) at Syracuse University, also referred to as multi-factor authentication (MFA), two-step authentication, or 'added security verification' used by services like SUmail and Office 365, managed at msmfa.syr.edu.

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About Microsoft 2FA

Microsoft 2FA is currently enabled for all Syracuse University Faculty, Staff, and Students accessing Office 365 applications accessed or downloaded through https://portal.microsoft.com2FA is an added verification step during authentication that helps to prevent the unauthorized use of University NetIDs and passwords by ensuring that only the account owners themselves use their credentials on systems hardened with 2FA, in this case, Office 365. Typically, 2FA is described as “something you know and something you have” where the “something you know” is your username and password, and the “something you have” (often called a “second factor”) is a private, unique code generated just for you.

Additional information about two-factor authentication can be found on the Two-Factor Authentication home page. You can managed your security verification methods at at msmfa.syr.edu.

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Available Authentication Methods
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There are current 4 available methods for authenticating with Microsoft 2FA. You can configure or manage your security verification methods at msmfa.syr.edu

MethodProcessNotes
Notify me through the appUses Microsoft Authenticator app to push notificationRecommended option for general use. Allows you to press "Approve" as your second factor.
Use verification code from app or tokenUses Microsoft Authenticator app to provide verification codeRecommended option for when internet connectivity is unavailable.
Text code to my authentication phoneText to mobile deviceCountry code must be provided and international rates may apply.
Call my authentication phoneCall to configured phone numberCountry code must be provided and international rates may apply.


Can't Use These Methods?
If you have any limitations which prohibit the use of the listed methods, please contact the ITS Help Desk by calling at 315-443-2677, by emailing help@syr.edu, or by stopping into 1-227 CST.

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Configuring Your Account - Setup and Management
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Follow the steps below for 2FA configuration.

Get The App

Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app for AndroidiOS, or Windows Phone.

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You can manage or update your authentication settings at msmfa.syr.edu

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If you are traveling and plan to use access your Office365account, be sure to have a way to authenticate your login and configure authentication methods methods you will have available prior  to travelingYou can manage or update your security verification methods at msmfa.syr.edu

ITS recommends the mobile application version as it does not require an internet connection once configured. Note that if use for call or text for authentication, your mobile device will require service at your destinationsdestination. Additionally, if you use the office phone method, an alternative method will be required while traveling. Note that the mobile app method does not require an internet connection.You can manage or update your security verification methods at msmfa.syr.edu. 

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titleGoing Abroad?

Syracuse Abroad students should configure their 2FA as soon as possible, download and set up configure the Microsoft Authenticator mobile application app on their mobile device, and take their mobile device when they go abroad. Configuring before you leave enables your continuing access to protected University accounts regardless of location. Students should ensure their authentication methods function correctly, and should be sure to have their configured mobile device when they go abroad.

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For support of the information above, contact the ITS Help Desk by calling at 315-443-2677, by emailing help@syr.edu, or by stopping into 1-227 CST.

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Microsoft two-factor authentication is active for all Syracuse University students and is required to access Office 365 applications including SUmail. If you are traveling and plan to access your account, be sure to configure authentication methods you will have available prior to traveling. You can manage or update your authentication methods at msmfa.syr.edu

ITS recommends the mobile application version as it does not require an internet connection once configured. Note that for call or text authentication, your mobile device will require service at your destination.