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.
DMC and MySlice Financial Applications
Note that this page is intended for use with two-factor authentication related to Microsoft Office 365 products and applications including SUmail. Support for DUO, the two-factor authentication used for the Delegated Management Console (DMC) and MySlice financial applications, can be found on the Installing and Using 2-Factor Authentication DUO page.
Table of Contents
About Microsoft 2FA
Microsoft 2FA is currently enabled for Syracuse University all Faculty and Staff as well as Students who have opted-in who are accessing Office 365 applications accessed or downloaded through https://portal.microsoft.com. 2FA 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.
Student Opt-In Now Live
As part of ongoing efforts to protect digital identities and related University information, Information Technology Services (ITS) has enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) for student email and other Office 365 services. To opt-in, visit NetID.syr.edu and click Two-Factor Opt-in to get started.
Student Activation Coming Spring 2019
Any students who have not already opted-in to 2FA by early February will have 2FA activated automatically sometime before the end of the semester. These students will receive several email notifications starting 30 days prior to the student’s automatic activation date. Opting in will stop these notifications.
Available Authentication Methods
There are current 4 available methods for authenticating with Microsoft 2FA.
| Method | Process | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notify me through the app | Uses Microsoft Authenticator app to push notification | Recommended option for general use. Allows you to press "Approve" as your second factor. |
| Use verification code from app or token | Uses Microsoft Authenticator app to provide verification code | Recommended option for when internet connectivity is unavailable. |
| Text code to my authentication phone | Text to mobile device | Country code must be provided and international rates may apply. |
| Call my authentication phone | Call to configured phone number | Country 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.
Traveling with Microsoft 2FA including Syracuse Abroad
If you are traveling and plan to use your Office365, be sure to have a way to authenticate your login and configure authentication methods prior to traveling. Note that if use call or text for authentication, your mobile device will require service at your destinations. 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 authentication method settings on the Microsoft 2FA method management page or see the the Configuring Your Account section below for first time setup.
Going Abroad?
Syracuse Abroad students should configure their 2FA as soon as possible, download and set up the Microsoft Authenticator mobile application 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.
Country Code and Costs
Please note that country code(s) must be provided for phone options, and standard/international message and data rates apply.
No Methods Available While Traveling or Abroad? If you have any limitations which prohibit the use of the authentication methods while traveling, please contact the ITS Help Desk by calling at 315-443-2677, by emailing help@syr.edu, or by stopping into 1-227 CST.
Configuring Your Account - Setup and Management
Follow the steps below for first time configuration of your 2FA methods.
Step 1: Login
To access your account, open a web browser and visit https://portal.microsoft.com.
Next, sign in with your username and password. After doing so, you should receive a screen that is similar to the one shown below.
Click on [ Set it up now ] to continue.
Step 2: Verification Method
You have the option to select:
Mobile App (recommended)
- Office phone
- Authentication phone
Option Descriptions:
- When selecting the Authentication phone you have the option to have Microsoft SMS (Text) message you a verification code or call your number.
- Enter your information and click [ Next ]
- When selecting the Office phone, you may have Microsoft call your number.
- Enter your information and click [ Next ]
- When selecting Mobile App, you will have the selections below:
More information about authentication methods can be found in the Available Authentication Methods section.
Clicking on "Receive Notification for verification" and then pressing [ Set up ] will produce the image below.
In order to use this method you must:
- Install the Microsoft Authenticator app for Windows Phone, Android, or iOS
- The app can be found in the "Store" on the platform you are using
- In the app, add an account and choose "Work or school account"
- Scan the QR image shown. If you are unable to scan the image, you can enter the information under the image
- Click [ Next ]
- Click [ Next ] again.
Step 3: Microsoft Connection
Microsoft will try to verify your phone and this may require action on your end depending on what option was selected in Step 1, shown below:
Step 4: Finishing
At the end will be a page about using existing applications. Some of the apps, but not limited to, are:
- Older Microsoft Office Installs
- Apple Mail
Not Required for Any SU Apps
This is NOT required for any SU Apps, that are supported, you may ignore this page and simply press [ Done ].
These apps do not use phone verification, so in their case you are provided an ID that you can use should you need to verify. A sample of the page is shown below.
You may now hit [ Done ] to finish.
Microsoft Support Documents
How to Use Two-Step Verification with Your Microsoft Account
Microsoft Account Security Information
Getting Help
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.