TTC Student Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
As of February 6, 2023, Trident Technical College has implemented added security on student accounts using Microsoft Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Students will trigger a prompt to set up MFA (If not already setup) when logging into any of our college applications (Outlook 365), online learning (D2L), or TTC web portal.
So, what is Multifactor Authentication and why are we using it?
The goal of MFA is to make it more difficult for an unauthorized person to access sensitive data. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a method of verifying who you are that requires the use of more than just a username (or email address) and password. You are required to acknowledge a phone call, text message, or app notification on your smartphone or other device, after correctly entering your password. You can sign in only after this second authentication factor has been satisfied.
Authentication Methods
- Your Username and Password will be your first method of authentication.
- TTC recommends using the Microsoft Authenticator app on a mobile device, such as a tablet or smartphone, as the second factor. For more information and links to tutorials about setting up multifactor authentication please check our knowledge base article (Multifactor Authentication Setup).
Please log in via https://aka.ms/mfasetup using your my.tridenttech.edu email account. Upon logging in you will be prompted by a screen similar to the image below. Please select "Next".
The different options of setting up MFA will be covered below. (Authenticator App, Text, and Call) Please find the option that will best suit your needs.
- Setting up MFA via Authenticator App (Preferred method)
- Setting up MFA via Text Message
- Setting up MFA via Phone Call
Microsoft also has a tutorial to learn how to register your account. The instructions begin with the section headline, Sign into your work or school account, and end at the Manage your app passwords section headline.
You can use this link to download the Microsoft Authenticator app directly from Microsoft.
| If you need to Change or add MFA method(s), you can click the link and you will be required to enter your password as proof of identity. |
IMPORTANT: Please keep your mobile devices' software updates current.
TTC suggests that all devices be backed up following the manufacturer’s recommendations before performing software updates. Check your update status (links to device instructions below) on each mobile device you use to access the TTC network.
Check your mobile device update status: Android | iPhone | iPad
Setting up MFA via Authenticator App
Important information before you get started:
- Use two devices to complete these instructions.
- Your smartphone or tablet to download the authenticator app on (i.e. the one you'll be using for MFA)
- A computer or secondary device to follow the setup instructions (e.g. your laptop or desktop)
- Know your password for your smartphone or tablet's app store (Google's Play Store or Apple's App Store)
- When prompted for permissions for notification and access to the camera, ensure you click yes or approve.
1. If you have selected to use the Authenticator App as your MFA option, you will be prompted with an screen similar to the one shown below.
2. Download and Install Microsoft Authenticator App on your smartphone or tablet by finding it in your application store: iOS | Android | Windows (The image will look like the image below in the app store)
3. Launch the Microsoft Authenticator app. When prompted to allow permissions for notifications and access to the camera, make sure you click yes or approve.
4. Once the app has been installed on your smartphone or tablet, click Next.
5. Follow the steps on screen. From within the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone or tablet, click the "add account" button and then scan the QR ode presented to you on your computer screen. This will add your TTC account to the Microsoft Authenticator application. then select "Next" once you have scanned the image or input the URL information into your app.
6. After hitting "Next" you will see a screen similar to the image below.
7. Microsoft will now test your Authenticator setup to see if everything is working correctly with a testing approval. Once it is received on your smartphone or tablet, press the "approve" to confirm the test.
Setting up MFA via Text Message
1. Input the phone number you would like to use to receive texts as your secondary form of authentication. Choose to have Microsoft text me a code and then click Next.
2. If you chose to have a code sent to you via text, enter it and click Next.
3. Click Next. You should then be met with a screen similar to the one below showing that the authentication is successful.
4. Your default authentication method will be listed on the confirmation screen, as well as the phone number you entered. Click Done.
Setting up MFA via Phone Call
| Note: The landline automated voice method can be problematic if you are not in proximity to the phone when you authenticate. However, you will have an opportunity to choose between the authentication methods you set up. To later Change or add MFA method(s), you must first enter your password as proof of identity. |
1. Input the phone number you would like to use to receive calls as your secondary form of authentication. Choose the "Call Me" button and then click Next.
2. When you receive the phone call from microsoft , press pound (#) on your phone when prompted
3. Click "Next", you should then see a screen similar to the one shown below.
4. Your default authentication method will be listed on the confirmation screen, as well as the phone number you entered. Click Done.