Events that recently impacted our area shined a light on challenges to MFA in the event cell towers are not available. In an effort to maximize access to MySCC when cell tower access is limited or nonexistent, this is how you can set up the Microsoft Authenticator app to provide you with an MFA access key without needing cell service.
When you go into your Microsoft account at https://myaccount.microsoft.com, you likely already have your authentication set up. You can edit your existing methods and change them. It is recommended you add the MS Authenticator app as a method and set that as the default sign-in method.
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Log into your Microsoft account at https://myaccount.microsoft.com
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Click on Security Info:
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Go to the Security Info tab:
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If you don't see "Push multi-factor authentication", then choose "+ Add sign-in method":
* If adding a method, choose this option:
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Go through the steps to configure the Microsoft Authenticator app as needed. Once completed, you should see the following on the list.
CRITICAL NOTE: At the top the "Set default sign-in method" or "Sign-in method most advisable" should be set to Authenticator app or hardware token. If yours is NOT set to this, then please click to set the default method or Change and change it to that option.
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Now when you get prompted to give the 6-digit MFA code, it will be generated locally on your mobile device's Microsoft Authenticator app vs needing to receive it via text message (SMS).
If you have any issue, please do not reply to this email. Contact the IT Helpdesk at 828-339-4249 or ticket@southwesterncc.edu.
