Multi-Factor Authentication Changes Coming May 13th

Belmont Abbey College uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access Office 365 applications as well as other BAC systems. MFA is a security feature that verifies a user’s identity with a second credential beyond a user’s password, adding an extra layer of protection.

Microsoft is updating its authentication process, making the Microsoft Authenticator App the default method of authentication. This change is being implemented by Microsoft to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to academic and personal data.

 

Strengthening Our Information Security

 

As we continue to strengthen College information security, the Microsoft Authenticator app will be required to access Belmont Abbey College systems, including Office 365, and Canvas.

To prepare for these improvements, take the following steps before Monday, May 13:

If you have not yet downloaded the Microsoft Authenticator App, go to the App Store or Play store and download Microsoft Authenticator. Follow the instructions here.

If you have already downloaded the app but currently have another method of authentication (such as text message, phone call, or email) as your default, those methods will no longer work. You must give IT a call at 704-461-6247 and we can reset your authentication methods and have you set it back up using the authenticator app. This will make the app your default method to authenticate when signing on to BAC systems.

Important

 

Users who do not update their settings before the change will be prompted to set up and use the Microsoft Authenticator app prior to accessing Canvas, Microsoft Office 365, etc. Please take steps today to maintain your access and help protect your data and Belmont Abbey College information systems.

FAQ’S

Microsoft is updating its authentication process, making the Microsoft Authenticator app the preferred method to verify your identity when signing on to Belmont Abbey applications. All employees and students are required to complete the multi-factor authentication (MFA) process using the Microsoft Authenticator app to access Office 365, Canvas, and other College systems and applications.

Compared to other methods, the Microsoft Authenticator app reduces the risk of unauthorized access and adds a stronger layer of protection to improve the College’s information and cybersecurity controls. This is a free app that generates a unique verification code, which is time-sensitive and tied to your mobile device.

The Microsoft Authenticator app uses push notifications, which are quicker and easier to use than needing to enter a numeric code that some other authenticator apps use for authentication. BAC  OIT support staff members are also familiar with and best able to assist you if you use the Microsoft Authenticator app.

No. BAC requires the use of the Microsoft Authenticator app to authenticate when logging in to access campus applications such as Office 365, Canvas, and other College systems and applications. This improves information and cybersecurity controls.

You may use the Microsoft Authenticator app on a smart device, including a smartphone or tablet. Apple Watch and Android wearable devices (such as Samsung Galaxy Watch) are currently incompatible with Authenticator’s security features.

An authenticator app runs on your smartphone or tablet, but if you don’t own one, please contact the OIT helpdesk. The phone number for the Help Desk is 704-461-6247.

If the Cloud Backup on your old device was turned on, you can use your old backup to recover your account credentials on your new iOS or Android device.

If you have not recovered your apps from your former phone, download the app from the Microsoft Authenticator app website. Then, follow these directions to add or update your multi-factor authentication method.

Follow these directions to add or update your multi-factor authentication method. If this does not resolve the issue, please contact technical support. The phone number is 704-461-6247.

Generally, you will be prompted to authenticate approximately every 180 days if you click on stay signed in. You may be prompted more frequently depending on connectivity and other factors.

Never approve an authentication request from Microsoft Authenticator if you have not been attempting to log into one of BAC’s systems. Deny the request immediately. If you accidentally approved an authentication request, please contact technical support immediately. The phone numberis 704-461-6247.

Using the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smart device allows you to complete the multi-factor authentication process needed to connect to Office 365, Canvas and other College systems and applications. It does not allow Belmont Abbey to access your device.

The Microsoft authenticator does not track you, and it does not log location data. As a part of our information security protocol, as well as to aid in troubleshooting, the College does keep track of login data for all authentication methods.