Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is a security feature that requires a secondary form of verification before you can gain access to your account(s). Enabling MFA helps to prevent unauthorized access attempts to the applications and systems you use regularly.
About multi-factor authentication (MFA)
When it is enabled, it includes two forms of verification:
- something you already know (for instance, a passphrase) and
- something you have or own (for instance, a mobile device, etc.).
As a result, if someone discovers your passphrase (in case of an account compromise), they are still unable to access your account since they are missing the other piece of the verification method (for instance, a mobile device, etc.).
Supported authentication options
- Microsoft Authenticator App (Strongly recommended)
- SMS text message (Requires cellular data)
- Receive a phone call
Registering for multi-factor authentication
When you log into your Capilano University account, you may notice a dialogue box stating that “More information required” to keep your account secure.
If you do see this message, click Next and then proceed with setting up multi-factor authentication on your account.
If you do NOT see the dialogue box shown above, you may begin the registration process so that multi-factor authentication is ready for when it is required for your account.
- Please visit: https://aka.ms/mfasetup and type in your full Capilano email address,
- Enter your Capilano email address (2a) and password (2b) then click Sign in (2c).
- Once signed in you should see the following screen and you can now set up your Authentication method.
Select one of the following options for multi-factor authentication.
If you prefer to prove your identity by responding to push notifications from the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device, do the following:
Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app
Click Download now from the "Keep your account secure" screen. Follow the instructions to download the app or download the app directly from the Play Store or App Store.
To install the app on Android:
- Open the “Play Store” app, search for “Microsoft Authenticator” and click Install.
- Launch the Microsoft Authenticator app. Click I agree to the privacy statement.
You also scan the Android QR code.
To install the app on iOS:
- On your iOS device, open the App Store, search for Microsoft Authenticator
- Select Microsoft Authenticator from the search results and tap Get.
- The app should now be on your mobile device's home screen.
You can also scan the Apple AR code.
Set up the Microsoft Authenticator app
- Click Next
- Click Next when your computer screen prompts you to set up your account:
- On your mobile device, launch the Microsoft Authenticator app (3a), Click on Scan a QR code (3b) then select Only this time (3c) if prompted on your mobile device screen.
- With the Microsoft Authenticator app open on your mobile device, point the camera at the QR code presented on your computer screen (4a) then click Next (4b).
- The Microsoft Authenticator app will send you a push notification on your mobile device requesting you to approve sign-in. Click Approve on your mobile device.
- The Next button on your computer screen will become active once the system has successfully processed your approval. Click Next.
- You may also confirm that you have successfully registered your mobile device for Multi-factor authentication by visiting your "My Sign-Ins" page on Microsoft.com.
Note: If you are unable to access this link or do not see your device listed as registered, please contact IT Services.
- Congratulations, you have successfully registered your mobile device for MFA.
If you prefer to prove your identity by receiving authentication codes via SMS text messaging on your mobile device, do the following:
(Note: We do not recommend using SMS text messages as the default MFA authentication method since they are less secure than the Microsoft authenticator app.)
- Click I want to set up a different method when your computer screen displays the windows seen below.
- Choose Phone from the dropdown menu (2a) and click Confirm (2b).
- Enter your mobile phone number (3a), select Text me a code (3b), then click Next (3c).
- You will receive a text message containing a 6-digit code (4a). Enter that code into the field (4b) and click Next (4c).
(Note: Please open the received text message and enter the code provided in your text message, not the code shown as the text message's headline).
- You have now configured your mobile device to receive authentication codes through SMS text messages. On the next windows, click Next and then Done.
- You may also confirm that you have successfully registered your phone (to receive authentication codes via text message) for multi-factor authentication by visiting your "My Sign-Ins" page on Microsoft.com.
Note: If you are unable to access this link or do not see your device listed as registered, please contact IT Service.
If you prefer to verify your identity by receiving phone calls to your mobile device, do the following:
- Click I want to set up a different method when your computer screen displays the windows seen below:
- Enter your mobile phone number (2a), select Call me (2b), then click Next (2c).
- You will receive a phone call on your mobile device which is similar to the one shown below. Answer the phone call and follow the prompts to complete the authentication process.
- Your mobile device will be registered with the system once you complete the steps outlined above.
- You may also confirm that you have successfully registered your phone (to receive authentication codes via phone) for multi-factor authentication by visiting your "My Sign-Ins" page on Microsoft.com.
Note: If you are unable to access this link or do not see your device listed as registered, please contact IT Service.