Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a simple way to increase account security by requiring multiple forms of verification to prove your identity when signing into an application.

This is generally something you know, like a password, and something you have, like a personal phone. Many institutions and applications use some form of MFA to log in, especially when using a new device. Microsoft 365 multi-factor authentication will increase the protection on all applications integrated with MFA, including Google email and drive, MyAC portal, and OneDrive.

MFA helps keep your Angelina College account and personal information more secure by adding a second verification step when signing in.

One of our campus’s largest attack vectors is through collaboration services; especially email accounts using older protocols. MFA adds an additional layer of security, making it harder for attackers to log in as if they were you. Your information is safer because thieves would need to steal both your password and your phone to access services protected by MFA. MFA has been shown to block 99.9 percent of compromised-credential attacks, which in turn will help to safeguard the college’s data, finances, and reputation.

Yes, everyone who has an Angelina College account will be required to use MFA.

Since mobile phones are so common and we seldom go anywhere without one, they are the most popular choice for multi-factor authentication.

Multi-factor authentication ensures that users are who they say they are by requiring that they provide two pieces of evidence to prove their identity. This is generally something you know, like a password, and something you have, like a personal phone. If using a mobile phone isn’t an option for you, please contact our IT Helpdesk at ithelpdesk@angelina.edu to discuss other options.

Yes. Both Angelina College and Microsoft are not permitted to use your information for marketing, tracking, or data mining purposes.

We have contractual agreements with Microsoft that protect your personal information. Your phone number will only be used to validate that you are who you say you are when using the Microsoft 365 MFA service. MFA is an additional security measure that is designed to protect your personal information.

No, location services are not required to be enabled on a phone to use the Microsoft Authenticator app.

You will be able to choose a primary authentication method when you register, which you can change or update at any time.

Current options are outlined below:

If you don’t have a personal device, alternative methods may be available for those who meet specific eligibility requirements.

These options are not recommended for most students, as they may require a separate device that you would need to keep up with and maintain, subject to additional fees.

Please contact the IT Help Desk if you believe you qualify for an alternative option.

If you’re unable to log in or change your authentication information (see How can I update my phone number or change authentication preferences? below), please contact the IT Help Desk at ithelpdesk@angelina.edu or 936-633-5208 for assistance resetting MFA.

Log in to your Microsoft 365 account then click Security Info in the left menu.

Visit Microsoft’s additional security verification or change two-step verification and settings help pages for additional information.

We recommend configuring the Microsoft Authenticator app in case your country code is not available; however, a comprehensive list of international calling codes will be available to select from when enrolling your device.

We recommend configuring multiple methods for MFA, so in the event you lose or do not have access to one you will have a backup method to authenticate with.

If you have lost access to the only method you have configured you will need to contact the IT Help Desk either in person or via phone 936-633-5208 to request your MFA be reset. You will be required to verify your identity and walk through the first-time enrollment process for MFA again.

If you continue to use the same computer every day, you may only have to re-authenticate when you change your password. If you use public computers, like the computers in our computer labs, you may need to re-authenticate every time you sign into an app like MyAC Portal or gmail through a browser.

Contact the IT Helpdesk at ithelpdesk@angelina.edu or 936-633-5208