Greetings colleagues,
As a reminder, beginning on Oct. 28 at noon, HVCC will require Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to access MS Office 365 services, including email. This only applies to employees and retirees. Students will be included after the fall semester ends and will be notified separately.
What is Multi-factor Authentication?
MFA is a login method that requires more than just one factor, such as a code sent to a cellphone, to verify your identity. You’ve likely used this technology when signing into your bank or other sensitive sites. MFA will prevent an attacker from gaining access to your account if your password becomes compromised. They won’t be able to log in unless they also have your mobile device. A second factor might include a text message or a phone call to a trusted phone number or a notification in an authenticator app.
Do I need to wait?
No, and to ensure a smooth transition, we encourage everyone to configure MFA before the Oct. 28 deadline. MFA is already turned on as optional, and you can configure it now to get it out of the way.
Simply visit https://aka.ms/MFASetup from a computer to set it up, and make sure you have your mobile device handy.
When is this happening?
We have enabled MFA right now as optional, and we are encouraging everybody to configure it now. On Thursday (Oct. 28) at noon, we will make MFA a requirement. Any employee or retiree who has not already completed the registration process by that time will be asked to do so upon their next login.
What services will be impacted?
This is the first phase of the MFA initiative and it will impact all Microsoft Office 365 applications which require online access, such as Outlook, MS Teams, and OneDrive. You may also be asked for MFA if you use an online component of an offline app (such as saving a document to OneDrive from MS Excel). The web versions of Office365, including email, are included.
What verification options will be available?
You will be able to choose from a variety of verification options. The easiest to use is the MS Authenticator app, but we recommend configuring as many options as possible to give you the greatest flexibility when logging into our services. Options will include SMS/Text, phone calls (to a cell, landline, or desk phone), and push notifications to your smartphone. Configuring multiple options will ensure that you do not become locked out if you cannot access your primary authentication device/number.
What if I do not have ANY verification devices?
Microsoft provides a number of different ways to get into your account using apps, cellphones, and landlines. If you have none of these options available to you, ITS has purchased a small number of keychain devices that can be used in place of a cellphone. This requires extra steps to configure and use, but this is an option to members of the community with no other way to access HVCC services. If you need one of these devices, please call the helpdesk at 518-629-7364.
What training resources are available?
The process for using MFA is easy. Microsoft has prepared a quick video tutorial on configuring and using MFA using the MS authenticator app, which we recommend for its ease of use. We have also compiled some documentation resources to assist.
If you would like additional help in configuring or using MFA, please give the helpdesk a call at (518) 629-7364, and we will schedule a training session with you.
I appreciate your patience and cooperation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the helpdesk with any questions.
Best regards,
Jon
Jonathan R. Brennan
Chief Information Officer
Published: Thu, 28 Oct 2021 12:15:09 +0000 by j.brennan