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Configure Olin Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Olin College requires the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access certain online services, including VPN. Multi-factor authentication requires the use of an additional verification step, such as an app on your phone or a code sent via text message, to login to Olin online services.

MFA Methods Available

The available methods for multi-factor authentication (MFA) include:

  • Use of an authenticator app on your mobile device. We strongly recommend the Microsoft Authenticator App, but you may use any standard authenticator app of your choice.
  • Verification code sent via SMS to your phone
  • Verification call to your personal phone and/or office phone

We recommend configuring more than one verification method for added convenience if a verification method is unavailable (for example, if your mobile device battery has died).

Install the Microsoft Authenticator App

Setup MFA with Microsoft 365

  • Navigate to the Security Info area of the Microsoft My Sign-Ins page (https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info)
  • If necessary, login to your Olin account
  • Click + Add sign-in method
  • Select Authenticator App from the menu, and click Add. Then follow the prompts on the screen.
  • We recommend adding other sign-in methods, such as a mobile phone and your office phone.
  • After adding your sign-in methods, check the Default sign-in method shown near the top of the page. We recommend setting this to be Microsoft Authenticator - notification. Click Change to change the default if necessary.

Using Multi-Factor Authentication

All applications that use Olin single sign-on through the Microsoft 365 login screen are subject to multi-factor authentication (MFA). For most applications, you will be required to authenticate via MFA based on automatic risk assessment done by the Microsoft authentication engine. In most cases, when using Olin email and other services, members of the community will only need to provide MFA authentication occasionally, particularly when using services from a new location (such as a coffee shop, or when traveling).

For required technical security, use of the Olin VPN requires multi-factor authentication each time you login.