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What is MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication provides an additional layer of security to your Seattle University account and to the systems you access to perform your work-related tasks. Multi-Factor Authentication enhances the security of a user’s account by using a known secondary device to verify your identity. This prevents anyone but you from accessing your account, even if they know your password.

Note: MFA is currently required when using the VPN. If you are using the VPN, you have already set up your MFA preferences and will not need to set them up again. These settings will be applied to additional applications if/when MFA is enabled for offices.

 Why does SU need MFA?

Many cyber-attacks and security breaches involve compromised accounts. Requiring different channels of authentication helps protect user logins from remote attacks that may exploit stolen usernames and passwords.

First time MFA setup

For assistance with registering your MFA method for the first time, please review this MFA First Time Setup Guide. If you choose not to use the Microsoft Authenticator app, you can click “I want to setup a different method”. The other options you can use are a third party authenticator app, like Google Authenticator, text messages to your cell phone, and voice calls to your cell phone.

What happens if I get a new phone or change my number?

If you get a new phone when you are using the Microsoft Authenticator app or you get a new number and you were using text messages and voice calls to complete the MFA prompt, you will need to call the ITS Service Desk at 206-296-5571 to reset your MFA settings.

You can update your MFA settings by going to https://aka.ms/mfasetup but you must complete an MFA prompt first before registering the new method. Therefore, if you can’t use the previous phone or phone number, you will blocked from changing your MFA settings.

For more information on updating your MFA settings please visit this Update MFA Settings document.

International Students and International Travel

For users who setup text messages and voice calls, the country code of the phone number must match the country you are located, otherwise you will not receive the text messages and voice calls from Microsoft. So, if you are traveling to a country that doesn’t match the country code of your phone number, please setup a backup MFA method, like the Microsoft Authenticator App.

The 6 digit number generated every 30 seconds in the Microsoft Authenticator app will continue to work even if you are in another country or when your phone doesn’t have a Wi-Fi or Mobile data connection.

How will MFA affect my everyday work?

Most of the time, you will not notice MFA. Applications such as Canvas, iParq, mySeattleU, SUOnline, Zoom, Microsoft applications (Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, Word, Excel, etc.) and more will prompt MFA once for each browser they you use and once for each of the mobile/desktop apps they you use on their your devices.  Applications that contain highly sensitive information will prompt for MFA authentication at least once every seven days (e.g. Colleague UI, mySeattleU, VPN). Please refer to the MFA Frequency Guide for the list of affected applications, their MFA frequency, and additional security actions that may trigger other instances for MFA to occur.    . 

Who is required to perform MFA?

All students, faculty, and staff are required to perform MFA.

Other MFA questions?

Please visit the MFA FAQ page.