Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Verification Methods

Tags security mfa

There are several different options for completing Multi-Factor Authentication verification. Choose the one that makes the most sense for your situation and follow the on-screen instructions.

Please note that the Microsoft Authenticator App is the recommended choice for Multi-Factor Authentication verification. You install this app on your mobile device.  The Microsoft Authenticator App offers two verification methods -- App-based authentication - Notification and App-based authentication or hardware token - Code using a provided 6-digit code.

Notify me through the app (App-based authentication - Notification)

Notifications through the app is Microsoft's recommended option. It's the simplest way to complete verification. You enter your Middlebury email address at an online service’s login screen and then you receive a push notification to the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device prompting you to enter a provided 2-digit number and confirm that you initiated the prompt yourself. The Authenticator App also displays additional information, including the name of the application/service being accessed and an approximate location of the login attempt.  Please be careful not to allow login attempts you did not initiate.

You can further streamline this verification process if you enable phone sign in -- password entry is not required for Middlebury services when this feature is turned on. 

Important:  This verification method requires your phone to have cellular service or wireless Internet access.

Use verification code from app (App-based authentication or hardware token - Code)

You enter your Middlebury email address and password at an online service’s login screen and then you are prompted to enter the 6-digit code displayed in the Microsoft Authenticator app. 

This method can be very useful for travelers as the App can generate verification codes even when your phone does not have cellular service.  Once you have the App installed, you can use the verification codes generated by the App to log in anytime, from any place.

Text code to my authentication phone

You enter your Middlebury email address and password at an online service’s login screen and then you are prompted to enter the code that the Multi-Factor Authentication service has texted to your mobile phone.

Call my authentication phone

You enter your Middlebury email address and password at an online service’s login screen and then you receive an automated call to either your primary or alternate telephone number prompting you to “verify“ the authentication request by pressing the "#" key on your phone.

  • This option may be preferable for individuals with limited texting plans, no home computer or device, or those who may not have a mobile phone.
  • You may choose to configure your office phone as your "alternate" authentication phone.

Call my office phone

The "Call my office phone" option is not currently configured to work properly. Please choose another verification option.

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Multi-Factor Authentication works by requiring a secondary form of identification after a successful login.