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Two-Step (Multi-Factor) Authentication

Protect your Downstate Office 365 account from unwanted intruders

Day One Cheat Sheet for MFA Implementation

What is MFA?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA, aka Two-step authentication) is a method of confirming a user's claimed identity with two or more pieces of evidence (or factors), ie., regular password plus a one time code sent to a smart phone. The user’s access is only allowed upon successful confirmation of both factors. 

Where is MFA required?

MFA will be required for accessing Office 365 applications, including Outlook email, OneDrive, Skype for Business, from OFF CAMPUS locations.

How do I know MFA is enabled?

You will receive an email for when MFA will be enabled for your account. 

What must I do after MFA is enabled?

After MFA is turned on, you MUST register your smart phone for MFA immediately. If you do not register for MFA in 30 days, your off-campus access to Office 365 applications will be disabled to mitigate risks of unauthorize access. As a result, you will not be able to receive emails on your mobile devices when you are off campus.

What should I be aware?

After MFA is enabled, email push to your mobile devices will stop when you are off campus OR when your devices are not connected to DMC WiFi when you are on campus until you sign in with MFA. 

How do I register my cell phone for MFA? 

  1. Go to Office 365 portal: https://portal.office.com
  2. Login using your Downstate email and password as you normally do.
  3. You will see the notice below. Click on Next.
    More information required
  4. Please follow on screen instruction to add and verify your cell phone number for two step authentication (MFA).

For mobile users

We highly recommend to use Outlook on all mobile devices, which provide the best user experience for MFA. On Android devices, Outlook must be used because it is the only email client supporting MFA.

Please install Outlook from Play Store or App Store depending on which device you have, and use your email credential to set it up. You will be asked to add or verify your phone for MFA

If you have installed Outlook on your device prior to MFA, you will be asked to reenter the password when you are off campus and need to add or verify your phone for MFA

If you use Apple Mail on Apple devices, and repeatedly get prompts to enter your password, please try the following:

  1. Upgrade to the latest iOS version. Only iOS 12 and above support MFA.
  2. Make sure you use the correct password.
  3. Check the box “Don’t ask again for 60 days” during the MFA verification process.
  4. Delete the Downstate email account on the device and recreate it.