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How to set up Student MFA (Multifactor Authentication)

How to set up Student MFA (Multifactor Authentication)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a mechanism that provides a secondary form of identification when logging in to ensure you are who you claim to be.

MFA combines at least two forms of authentication: a password and a secondary code generated by a cell phone or a code generator. In the event of a password compromise, your account cannot be accessed unless that party has access to your cell phone or code generator.

How to Setup MFA for my Student Account

  1. After August 25th, 2025 the next time you login to your Selkirk Microsoft account, you will be prompted to take more steps to setup MFA.
    Click Next

     

  2. Configure Microsoft Authenticator App
    Once you are added, the next time you login to your Selkirk Microsoft account you will have to take additional steps to setup Microsoft Authenticator or SMS text.
    Select Mobile app in the dropdown and select Receive Notifications for verification.
    Click Setup


    You will see a QR code on the screen

     

    1. Go to the Apple or Android Play store and download the Microsoft Authenticator app.

    2. Open the app Click the + sign on the top right hand corner

    3. Select Work or School Account

    4. Select Scan a QR Code.


      This will bring up the screen on your cellphone that will allow you to scan the QR code that you will access on your computer.

    5. Once you scan the code you will see your Selkirk account added into Authenticator.

    6. Click the Next button on the computer screen.  You will see it update and say Mobile app has been configured for notifications and verification codes.


      Click Next

    7.  You will then be prompted on your phone to approve the sign in:

      Select Approve
      Your computer screen should say

    8. You will then be prompted to setup a secondary method in case you cannot use Authenticator

    9. Fill out the information for your mobile device

    10. You have now successfully setup MFA

How to set up a Yubikey token for account authentication

Before you get Started

Before you can add a Yubikey to your account, you will need to:

  1. Register for Multi-Factor authentication/two-factor authentication (2FA).

  2. Get your Yubikey from the Selkirk College Bookstore. Add it to your keychain if you want, through the reinforced loop in the middle, write your name on the back with a sharpie if there is space.  

Set up your Yubikey

  1. Log into your Microsoft Account - https://myaccount.microsoft.com/

  2. Go to Security info select + Add method

    1. To add a method, you will need to authenticate with your default sign-in method.  This will be a phone call or text to the number you registered for authentication. It can be an office phone with a local extension, you are not required to use your personal cellphone, but it will be easier. 

  3. From the dropdown menu select Security key

  4. You will now need to authenticate using the default phone number in the initial set-up.

    1. Enter the authentication code

    2. Create a PIN for your security key.

    3. Select USB device Security Key

    4. Have your Yubikey ready to insert into your computer's USB port

       

    5. Insert your Yubikey into a USB port

       

    6. Click OK to continue setup

       

    7. Touch your Yubikey to continue setup

    8. Enter a security key name - ideally your first and last name, into the field provided

  5. Confirm the You're all set! notification to complete setup.

 

 

 

 

FAQ - MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) and Yubikey

 

Multi- factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your Selkirk College network identity designed to ensure that you're the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password. MFA significantly mitigates potential damage from Phishing/Credential stealing and Malware. For example, when you access your online banking application you may be required to respond to a text message sent to your smart phone. The text message communicates a code that you need to input into the banking website. This text message is called a “second factor” and is part of Multi-Factor Authentication – essentially a second way to prove you are who you say you are.

NOTE: MFA and 2FA (Two-factor authentication) are the same thing.

First factor is "What you know"  - Selkirk email and password.

Second factor is "What you have" - examples: a College or personal smartphone with Microsoft Authenticator App installed.

 

Multi-factor authentication is an extra step added to the log-in process, such as a code sent to your phone, that helps verify your identity and prevent cybercriminals from accessing your private information.

MFA adds one more step of authenticating your identity making it harder for an attacker to access your data. This drastically reduces the chances of fraud, data loss, or identity theft.

Watch this short video clip for a user friendly learning explanation.

You can use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, have a text sent to your phone, or use a Yubikey token.

Passwords are increasingly easy to compromise. They can often be stolen, guessed, or hacked — you could be locked out of your account, or you might not even know someone is accessing it. With MFA, you'll be alerted right away (on your phone) if someone is trying to log in as you.

  1. Log in to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/ and change your method of authentication

  2. Get a replacement Yubikey from the Bookstore

  1. Try a different web browser when registering your Yubikey (Chrome works, Safari does not)

  2. Reboot your computer and try again

  3. Try a different USB port (USB ports on the back of your computer are typically better quality)