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Start using the multifactor authentication (MFA) in the Microsoft 365 cloud service


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Everyone at Oamk has multifactor authentication (MFA) in use for the Microsoft Office 365 cloud service.

If you are not familiar with MFA in general, please see how MFA protects your account from unauthorized use.

  • On this page, you’ll find instructions how to set up your MFA settings for MS Office 365
  • If you have not done it already, you will have to adjust the settings the first time you log into MS Office 365 outside Oamk’s network.

MFA is activated for all Oamk users and it is used when you login to MS 365  outside of Oamk’s network, i.e. when you are not using kk wi-fi on campus  or you have established a VPN connection to Oamk’s network. However, MFA is not always required for MS Offce 365 logins.


You will need your phone for MFA

With MFA, your password alone is not enough. After giving your password, there is another authentication step:

  • You can use the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app.
    • When you log in, you will see two numbers in the login view. Type the code (two numbers) to the Authenticator app. If your app does not ask for the code, pleas update the app. (This is a new feature, taken into use on April 12, 2023)
    • Another option is to use the six digit temporary password code, which changes every 30 seconds.
  • Instead of the Authenticator app, you can use your phone number as an alternative. To use this option, you must have given your phone number in the MFA settings and chosen if you want to get an automated phone call, or a text message.
    • The text message option gives you a temporary code, which you should then type in the login window.
    • The phone call option asks you to press # (pound sign) to confirm the login.
    • The MFA calls and text messages are free of charge.

We at the ICT Services prefer the Authenticator mobile app. We recommend that you also add your phone number as an alternative option.


How to take MFA into use

To connect your phone to the MFA, you will need both your mobile phone and a computer: you have to be able to scan a QR code from your computer screen with your phone’s camera with the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app.

  1. Get the free Microsoft Authenticator app to your phone from Appstore or Play Store.
  2. On your computer, go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup and login using your Oamk account.
  3. Set the app as your preferred option: Under “What’s your preferred option?” choose Notify me through app.
  4. Under “How would you like to respond?”,
    • check Authenticator app or Token
    • click the Set up authenticator app button
    • A “Configure mobile app” view with a QR code opens.
  5. On your phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app
    • Add your account (Work or school account).
    • Now the app opens a QR scanner: Scan the QR code, and your Oamk account will be added to the Authenticator mobile app on your phone.
  6. When you open the mobile app, you will see a six digit, temporary code, that changes every 30 seconds.
  7. Next, on your computer, click the Next button on the “Configure mobile app” view in the browser.
  8. After a while, you should get a verification request to your phone. Choose Approve and your phone is approved for MFA on your Oamk MS 365 account.
  9. Add  your phone number to the Authentication Phone field and a check the checkbox.
  10. If you happen to have two phone numbers, you can also add the other phone number on the Alternate authentication field.
  11. Please remember to save the settings!

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