Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator Info
Student Authenticator Setup Info
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) will be Mandatory for all registered Student M365 Accounts, October 15, 2024. See, steps to set up MFA with Microsoft Authenticator.
Employee Authenticator Setup Info
Authenticator setup info, alternates to mobile device use, and more.
Authenticator FAQs
- Always setup at least Two Methods of Multi Factor (MFA) authentication. This way you always have a backup MFA method should one change or not be available momentarily when you need it.
- This includes the following: Mobile app, SMS text messaging.
- Microsoft Authenticator App(push notification or one-time password code), SMS Text Messaging.
- Go to My Account (you may have to sign in with your username@uregina.ca and current password) then select the Security Info option and click "+add sign in method."
- Your device needs to have WiFi internet or mobile data to initially install the Microsoft Authenticator app and add the UofR account to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Once the Microsoft Authenticator is setup you don’t need WiFi internet or mobile data to generate a one-time password code in the MS Authenticator app to authenticate.
- See, How to use Microsoft Authenticator One-time Passcode
- The Microsoft Authenticator app needs to be already setup on your mobile device (you need WiFi or data for the setup).
- You can use Microsoft Authenticator’s One-Time Password code feature for verification.
- See, How to use Microsoft Authenticator One-time Passcode.
- A smartphone is not required to use Microsoft Multifactor Authentication.
- Cell phones that can receive text message will also have the option to authenticate by text code.
- See Microsoft Info for setting up Text message Authentication: Text message (SMS) info.
- The Microsoft Authenticator app is free!
- The Microsoft Authenticator can generate a one-time password code to authenticate and does not require text messaging, mobile data, or Wi-Fi internet
- Text messages are sent only when you request them and would be billed by your carrier like any other text message.
- The Microsoft Authenticator app push notification method uses very little cellular data and will use Wi-Fi if available.
- The Microsoft Authenticator app software token method does not require an internet connection, and as such, does not incur any expense.
- Students, please, see the MFA Bypass portal
- Employees, please contact the IS Service Desk.
- If you have setup SMS text message as a secondary alternative, you will be able to use this if prompted for MFA until you can set up MS Authenticator on your new mobile device.
- Go to My Account then select the Security Info option and delete your old device.
- Then set up MS Authenticator: Employee Instructions or Student Instructions
- If you don't have SMS text message set up, please contact the IS Service Desk for assistance.
MS Authenticator Info
- When you login to your uregina Microsoft account, it will periodically prompt you to authenticate using MS Authenticator.
- If prompted, you will see a 2-digit code on your computer/device screen.
- You will need to enter this code into the MS Authenticator app on your mobile device. Once the 2 digit code is entered your mobile device may also ask for your usual mobile login pin/password for verification.
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The login will then proceed as usual.
Other methods to authenticate:
If your WiFi internet or mobile data is not working your have the option to select:
"I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now:" and then choose one of the alternate methods of MFA
- Use a verification code generated by the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Have a verification code sent to you via text message (if text was previously setup as an alternate MFA option).
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will need to be set up for your Microsoft account (username@uregina.ca) using Microsoft Authenticator.
- Once enabled, after entering your username@uregina.ca and password, you will periodically be prompted to approve your login on the MS Authenticator app on your mobile device or via a hardware token (employees only).
- Authenticator is used for Microsoft login only, DUO (employees only) will still be used for the systems that currently require MFA.
- You will generally only to need to MFA once on each system/app you logon to or after a password change.
- Authenticator will be used for Microsoft login only, DUO (employees only) will still be used for the systems that currently require MFA.
- Hackers will always try to get our passwords, whether through phishing attacks, guessing attacks or by compromising other websites.
- MFA provides you the peace of mind that, even if your password is compromised, the hackers will not be able to access and use your account to further their attacks.
- All University of Regina employees are required to use Microsoft Authenticator MFA for their Microsoft accounts. Many U of R employees also use Duo MFA for many UofR applications.
- Microsoft Authenticator is currently recommended for students and will be mandatory October 16, 2024 (students will be notified via email).
There are several options to choose as your second factor:
- The Microsoft Authenticator smart phone app is the recommended method because of its ease of use and enhanced security. The app can be configured to use either a push notification (most convenient) or a verification code (most secure). The Microsoft Authenticator app includes additional benefits that you can leverage to protect your personal account.
- SMS text messages can be used to send a 6-digit code to your mobile phone, then entering that code at log in as the second factor.
- Yearly password changes for UofR accounts are still required.
When you log into your account and get prompted to use MFA.
- If you don’t have access to your app or have access to your app but don’t have access to mobile/WiFi and want to use a verification code click “I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now.”
- Then; “use a verification code.”
Mobile Device Info
- On your phone, Open your Microsoft Authenticator app and click on your “University of Regina account.”
- From there, you will see a “One-time password code” that will change every 30 seconds.
- Type in the code in the text box and you should be logged into your account without the use of the internet.
Microsoft Info: How to Use Microsoft Authenticator One-Time Password Code
Travel Authenticator FAQs
- If you have data coverage when traveling the MS Authenticator will still work. Note: data charges will apply.
- If you don't have cell service the MS Authenticator app can be used offline.
Microsoft Authenticator FAQs
Microsoft has a list of FAQs that may be relevant to your search for answers.
What is the difference between Microsoft Authenticator and DUO MFA?
The University of Regina uses two MFA Authentication systems, MS Authenticator is used by students and employees and Duo is used by employees only.