Multi-factor Authentication

Valencia College currently uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access Office 365 applications, such as Outlook email, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive. 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.

Get Help with MFAMulti-factor Authentication FAQsUpdate Your MFA InfoMicrosoft Authenticator App

Strengthening Our Information Security

As we continue to strengthen College information security, the Microsoft Authenticator app will be required to access Valencia College systems, including Atlas, Banner, and Canvas in addition to Microsoft Office 365 and Outlook email.

To prepare for these improvements, take the following steps before Sunday, November 12:

Technical Support

For assistance downloading and setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app as your default method for multi-factor authentication, contact:

Student Help Desk: 407-582-5444
(Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Or visit the on-campus Atlas Access Lab

Employee Help Desk: 407-582-5555
(Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.) 

Submit a Ticket
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 Atlas, Banner, Canvas, and Microsoft Office 365. Please take steps today to maintain your access and help protect your data and Valencia College information systems.

Get Microsoft Authenticator App

 

Resources and Support

Knowledge Base articles and related resources.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Why must I download the Microsoft Authenticator app?
Microsoft is updating its authentication process, making the Microsoft Authenticator app the preferred method to verify your identity when signing on to Valencia College applications. All employees and students are required to complete the multi-factor authentication (MFA) process using the Microsoft Authenticator app to access Office 365 (including Outlook Mail), Atlas, Banner, 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.

I already have another authentication app on my smart device. Why should I add the Microsoft Authenticator app?
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. Valencia College OIT support staff members are also familiar with and best able to assist you if you use the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Can I opt out of using the Microsoft Authenticator app?
No. Valencia College requires the use of the Microsoft Authenticator app to authenticate when logging in to access campus applications such as Office 365 (including Outlook Mail), Atlas, Banner, Canvas, and other College systems and applications. This improves information and cybersecurity controls.

DEVICE QUESTIONS
What kind of device do I need to use the Multi-factor Authenticator app?
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.

I don’t own a smart device (smartphone or tablet). How can I enroll in multi-factor authentication?
An authenticator app runs on your smartphone or tablet, but if you don’t own one, please contact the OIT service desk. The phone number for the Student Help Desk is 407-582-5444. The phone number for the Employee OIT Service Desk is 407-582-5555.

What if I accidentally leave my smartphone or tablet at home?
To receive assistance in the event that you do not have access to your mobile device, contact the Help Desk. If you are a student, contact the Student Help Desk at 407-582-5444 or visit the Atlas Access Lab on campus.

Employees should contact the OIT Service Desk at 407-582-5555.

SETUP QUESTIONS

How do I download the Microsoft Authenticator App?
A link to download the app is included in the directions to add or update your multi-factor authentication method.

 

I got a new smart device or restored my device from a backup. How do I set up my accounts in Authenticator again?
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.

I already have the Microsoft Authenticator App setup on my smart device, how do I make it the default method?
Follow these directions to change the default MFA method to the Microsoft Authenticator app. This will make the app your default method to authenticate when signing on to Valencia College systems.

I am having trouble downloading or setting up my multi-factor authentication method. What are the steps?
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 for the Student Help Desk is 407-582-5444. The phone number for the Employee OIT Service Desk is 407-582-5555.

USAGE QUESTIONS

How often will I have to authenticate to access Valencia College systems?
Generally, you will be prompted to authenticate approximately every 14 days. You may be prompted more frequently depending on connectivity and other factors.

What should I do if I get an authentication request and I’m not trying to log in?
Never approve an authentication request from Microsoft Authenticator if you have not been attempting to log into one of Valencia College's systems. Deny the request immediately. If you accidentally approved an authentication request, please contact technical support immediately. The phone number for the Student Help Desk is 407-582-5444. The phone number for the Employee OIT Service Desk is 407-582-5555.
PERSONAL INFORMATION DATA

Does adding the Microsoft Authenticator app give Valencia College access to my device?
Using the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smart device allows you to complete the multi-factor authentication process needed to connect to Office 365 (including Outlook Mail), Atlas, Banner, Canvas and other College systems and applications. It does not allow Valencia College to access your device.

 

Does the Microsoft Authenticator app track me?
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.

What data does the Microsoft Authenticator app collect and store on my behalf and how can I delete this data?
The Microsoft Authenticator app collects three types of information:

  • Account info you provide when you add your account. After adding your account, depending on the features you enable for the account, your account data might sync down to the app. This data is stored on your device and can be removed by removing your account.

  • Non-personally identifiable usage data, such as aggregate details about success or failure of important operations that are used to detect decreased reliability and bugs. This minimal data is needed to keep the app updated and secure. You need to accept the notice of this data collection when you use the app for the first time.

  • You can also allow the sharing of additional non-personal usage data by turning on the “Usage Data” toggle button on the app's Settings page or when you use the app for the first time. This data allows Microsoft engineers to improve the app in ways that are important to you. This setting can be turned on or off at any time.

  • Diagnostic log data stays only in the app until you select Send feedbackin the app's top menu to send logs to Microsoft. These logs can contain personal data such as email addresses, server addresses, or IP addresses. They also can contain device data such as device name and operating system version. Any personal data collected is limited to information needed to help troubleshoot app issues. You can browse these log files in the app at any time to see the information being gathered. If you send your log files, Authenticator app engineers will use them only to troubleshoot customer-reported issues.

Additional information about the Microsoft Authenticator app can be found on the Microsoft website.