Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) at Okanagan College
Okanagan College uses Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to all faculty, staff, and students for Microsoft 365 and OC applications.
Currently, OC M365 accounts only require a username and password to gain access to applications. When the password is compromised, anyone using that username and password will have access to all the applications and data the rightful user is entitled to have.
What this will mean is that when OC end users access the Microsoft 365 suite of products through their OC credentials, individuals will be required to set up multi-factor authentication to confirm they are who they say they are.
This will include applications such as the following:
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Microsoft Outlook
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Microsoft 365 applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and other OC authorized applications from the Microsoft portal
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Microsoft Teams, SharePoint
What is MFA?
MFA is a technology designed to enhance the security of the identity validation process.
Your identity information is your user name, which is validated by your password (first factor of authentication).
Okanagan College will be requiring an additional factor by way of an application on your mobile device or a hardware token.
There are three factors that can be considered when multi-factor authentication is involved, and two of the three items must be able to be verified. The three things are as follows
- Something you know (like a password)
- Something you have (like a mobile device, or a hardware token)
- Something you are (like your facial pattern, or your fingerprint)
In order to have a successful MFA login two (or in some cases all three) factors must be use to verify your identity.
What will you need to use MFA at Okanagan College
You will require a two things to use MFA at Okanagan College
- An active Okanagan College account, student or staff account
- A multi-factor Authentication app for your mobile device or a security hardware token.
Step by step instructions for setting up and using the using a mobile app or a security token can be found on the following links;
An Ongoing Project...
As this is an ongoing project at OC, more detailed and the most current information including mobile app install instructions can be found at the project webpage located here...
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