Multi-Factor Authentication on Drexel Office 365 Accounts

To provide a higher level of information security, Drexel University IT (DUIT) enforces multi-factor authentication (MFA) on a number of Drexel accounts. Currently, MFA applies to all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Microsoft OneDrive, Drexel email accounts, Drexel One, the Drexel VPN, Zoom and LCB vApps. The current MFA rules allow you to set up to 4 authentication methods including the Microsoft Authenticator app (for mobile devices), text messaging, phone calls and email (MFA reset only).

Before You Begin

Before setting up MFA, you will need to decide on your primary method of authentication. Your options include:

  1. The Microsoft Authenticator app for your smartphone.
  2. A text message to your cell phone.
  3. A phone call to a number of your choosing.

LeBow Tech recommends using the Microsoft Authenticator app in conjunction with MFA. This app provides a quick, easy way to approve connections to your Drexel accounts. Microsoft Authenticator is available on both Android and Apple OS platforms and can be found in the Play Store (Android) and the App Store (iOS).

NOTE: The Microsoft Authenticator app is bound to the device on which it is installed, not your cell phone number. If you use Microsoft Authenticator as your primary method of authentication, you MUST choose a secondary method as well. If you ever trade in or lose the phone you have Microsoft Authenticator bound to, you will be unable to respond to MFA challenges if you do not have a secondary method set up.

IMPORTANT! It is strongly recommended you choose at least 2 methods of authentication for MFA at Drexel. This will ensure you have multiple avenues available to respond to MFA challenges.

Enabling MFA Using Microsoft Authenticator

  1. Install Microsoft Authenticator on your smart phone.
  2. Browse to https://aka.ms/mfasetup.
  3. If prompted, sign on with your Drexel credentials (ex. abc123@drexel.edu).
  4. Select + Add Method.
  5. From the dropdown menu, select Authenticator App.
  6. Select Add.
  7. Select Next.
  8. Select Next.
  9. A QR code will appear. To scan it, on your smartphone:
    1. Launch Microsoft Authenticator.
    2. When prompted to enable notifications, allow the request. Microsoft Authenticator uses notifications for MFA during the account approval process.
    3. Select Add Account.
    4. Select Work or school account.
    5. When prompted to allow access to your smartphone’s camera, approve the request. This is necessary to scan a personalized QR code which is used to pull your Drexel Office 365 account information.
    6. Use your phone to scan the QR code.
  10. Once the code is successfully scanned, select Next.
  11. On your smartphone, select Approve when prompted by Microsoft Authenticator.
  12. In your browser, select Done.

### Enabling MFA Using Text Messaging
  1. Browse to https://aka.ms/mfasetup.
  2. If prompted, sign on with your Drexel credentials (ex. abc123@drexel.edu).
  3. Select + Add Method.
  4. From the dropdown menu, select Phone.
  5. Select Add.
  6. Enter your phone number in the space provided.
  7. Highlight the Text me a code radio button and select Next.
  8. Enter the verification code you receive on your phone in the space provided and select Next.
  9. Select Done.

### Enabling MFA Using a Phone Number
  1. Browse to https://aka.ms/mfasetup.
  2. If prompted, sign on with your Drexel credentials (ex. abc123@drexel.edu).
  3. Select + Add Method.
  4. From the dropdown menu, select Alternate Phone.
  5. Select Add.
  6. Enter your phone number in the space provided.
    • NOTE: The phone number you enter should be a phone you readily have access to at all times such as your cell phone. If you enter an office or home phone number in this field, you will need to have access to that phone number when using this authentication method.
  7. Select Next.
  8. Answer the phone call you receive and enter # on your phone to authorize the request.
  9. Select Done.

### Enabling MFA Using an Email Address
  1. Browse to https://aka.ms/mfasetup.
  2. If prompted, sign on with your Drexel credentials (ex. abc123@drexel.edu).
  3. Select + Add Method.
  4. From the dropdown menu, select Email.
  5. Select Add.
  6. Enter a NON-DREXEL email address in the space provided.
    • NOTE: MFA challenges are required for using Drexel email, so setting this field to your Drexel account will not work.
  7. Select Next.
  8. Check the email account you specified for the verification code and enter it in the space provided.
  9. Select Next.

For more information about Drexel’s enforcement of multi-factor authentication, please refer to the Drexel University Information Technology website.