Information Technology

IT Security

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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Setup

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an added layer of protection to make unauthorized access to your UM WebID more difficult. To sign-in successfully, MFA requires two things:

  1. Something you know (WebID credentials)
  2. Something you have (phone)

MFA is required to access online applications that authenticate using WebID Single Sign-On. Blackboard, email, and VPN are a few examples of this.

Register at least two (2) methods to ensure account access. UM IT Security recommends configuring the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone as the default method and password manager / text message / phone call as a secondary method. Password managers are a great alternate method that can provide access to rotating authentication codes from a computer as well as a phone.

Setup MFA using Microsoft Authenticator (recommended primary method)

  1. On a computer, go to https://mfasetup.olemiss.edu.
  2. Log in using your WebID and password if you aren't already signed in.
    Students: Use WebID@olemiss.edu in the username field (NOT WebID@go.olemiss.edu)
  3. Click + Add sign-in method, choose Authenticator app, and press Add.
    Click + Add sign-in method, choose Authenticator app, and press Add.
  4. On a smartphone, install Microsoft Authenticator. Alternately, search the app store for Microsoft Authenticator and install the application published by Microsoft Corporation.
    MS Authenticator application icon
  5. Once installed, open the Microsoft Authenticator application. Allow notifications, if prompted.
  6. To add an account, click + at the top of the app window.
  7. Select Work or school account followed by Scan a QR code.
  8. On your computer, click Next on the "Start by getting the app" window. Click Next on the "Set up your account" window.
  9. Use your smartphone to scan the QR code displayed on the screen.
  10. Your account should now be added to the Microsoft Authenticator App. On the computer, press Next and approve the verification request sent to your smartphone through the app.
  11. Everything should be successfully configured, press Next and Done to complete the setup process. If you are unable to successfully configure this MFA method, contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance.

When Microsoft Authenticator is the default MFA method, you will see a 2-digit number during sign-in and the app will prompt you to enter that number:
Number Match MFA Example

Setup MFA using a Password Manager or Authenticator App (recommended alternate method)

  1. On a computer, go to https://mfasetup.olemiss.edu.
  2. Log in using your WebID and password if you aren't already signed in.
    Students: Use WebID@olemiss.edu in the username field (NOT WebID@go.olemiss.edu)
  3. Click + Add sign-in method, choose Authenticator app, and press Add.
    Click + Add sign-in method, choose Authenticator app, and press Add.
  4. Select I want to use a different authenticator app.
  5. Click next to scan the QR code or copy the numerical code to configure the rotating authentication code in your authenticator app or password manager of choice (ex. Zoho OneAuth, 1Password, Bitwarden, Keeper, LastPass, RoboForm, etc.)
  6. Once successfully configured, the rotating authentication code will be available in your password manager using the mobile app, web interface, browser extension, or installed application on your computer. If you are unable to successfully configure this MFA method, contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance.

Setup MFA using a text message

  1. On a computer, go to https://mfasetup.olemiss.edu.
  2. Log in using your WebID and password if you aren't already signed in.
    Students: Use WebID@olemiss.edu in the username field (NOT WebID@go.olemiss.edu)
  3. Click + Add sign-in method, choose Phone, and press Add.
  4. Enter the phone number that you want to receive a text when account verification is needed and click Next.
    Enter the phone number you want to receive a text.
  5. You should now receive a text message with a code. Enter the code to verify the authentication method.
  6. Everything should be successfully configured, press Next and Done to complete the setup process. If you are unable to successfully configure this MFA method, contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance.

Setup MFA using a phone call

  1. On a computer, go to https://mfasetup.olemiss.edu.
  2. Log in using your WebID and password if you aren't already signed in.
    Students: Use WebID@olemiss.edu in the username field (NOT WebID@go.olemiss.edu)
  3. Click + Add sign-in method, choose Phone, Alternate Phone, or Office Phone and press Add.
  4. Enter the phone number that you want to be called when account verification is needed and click Next.
    Note: For international phone numbers, replace United States with the appropriate country from the drop-down menu.
    Enter the phone number you want to be called.
  5. You should now receive a phone call asking you to push a key to verify.
    Note: This option will NOT work on mobile phones set to block unknown callers.
  6. Everything should be successfully configured, press Next and Done to complete the setup process. If you are unable to successfully configure this MFA method, contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance.

Modify existing MFA settings for your WebID

To make changes to the MFA method already configured for your account go to https://mfasetup.olemiss.edu, log in with your WebID credentials, and add/change/delete sign-in methods as needed.
Students: Use WebID@olemiss.edu in the username field (NOT WebID@go.olemiss.edu)

Get help if you lost access to your MFA method

If you do not have access to the device used for MFA, contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance.