Account Onboarding with MFA

Summary

As a new user, upon your first login, you will be prompted to register for multi-factor authentication (MFA) before creating your new account password.

MFA secures the privacy of student and staff information by blocking unverified logins from the internet by ‘bad actors’ who attempt to use you district login account/password. Registering for MFA secures your account using approved verification methods such as the free Microsoft Authenticator app, text message (SMS), or phone call, to access district online resources like email, Google Classroom, Teams, OneDrive. 

If your login is made from a district computer at a district school or site, an MFA verification prompt does not occur. To prevent unauthorized access, logins from other locations and from other devices will face an occasional MFA verification prompt.

To learn more about MFA, visit the MFA Overview page: Article - Multi-Factor Authentication...

 

Audience

This article is intended to be used by new users setting up their NLPS account for the first time. 

 

Instructions

To get started you will need:

• A computer/device with internet access.
• A mobile device or landline phone to use as your MFA device. 

Steps to complete your account setup and MFA registration:

Step 1: Log in with your temporary password. 
Step 2: Register a primary MFA method (Authenticator app recommended) and a backup MFA method, such as SMS or phone call.
Step 3: Create your new password.

Step 1: Log in with your temporary password

1. Log in to Microsoft365 Security Info (https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo) with the email address provided in your welcome email.
   
   Important: If you are already logged on with a different Microsoft account, you will need to sign out and sign back in. This will allow you to enter your new SD68 email address.
2. Enter the temporary password provided in the welcome email. 
   

Step 2: Register a primary and backup MFA method 

1. Click Next to start the MFA registration process. 
   
2. We recommend installing and registering the Microsoft Authenticator app as your primary MFA method. The app is recommended for most users: it's free, convenient, private, and can be used offline (no data or internet required). To set up MFA with the Microsoft Authenticator app, click Next. When registration is complete, you'll have an option to register an additional method (SMS/phone call).
   
   Alternatively, to set up MFA with SMS or phone call, click I want to set up a different method. You can add the Authenticator app as a backup method at any time. 
   
3. Based on the MFA method selected, follow the instructions below to complete the MFA registration process.
    
   • Install and register Microsoft Authenticator app (recommended)

     1. On your phone, install the Microsoft Authenticator app. The app will be available from the Google Play App Store (Android) and the Apple App Store (iPhone).

        	Android (requires Android 8.0 or later)	iPhone (requires iOS 16.0 or later)
        QR Code:
        App store link:	Microsoft Authenticator - Apps on Google Play	Microsoft Authenticator on the App Store
        App store search:	Search for Microsoft Authenticator app. Other apps may show up at the top of the search list, so confirm you're installing the right app as shown below:	Search for Microsoft Authenticator app. Other apps may show up at the top of the search list, so confirm you're installing the right app as shown below:

        Be aware that the Microsoft Authenticator app is free, and will not require payment, in-app payments or a subscription. 
     2. On your computer, you'll see a screen saying "Set up your account". Click Next. 
     3. You will then see the following screen displaying a QR code:
        
     4. On your phone, open Microsoft Authenticator app and click the + button at the top. 
        
     5. Select Work or school account.
        
     6. Select Scan a QR code, then point your phone at the QR code on the computer screen. You may be prompted to allow the app to access your camera.
        
     7. On your computer, select Next. You will be prompted to "try it out" to make sure everything is working, and a 2-digit number will be displayed. 
     8. You'll receive a push notification on your phone. Enter the 2-digit number and approve the request to confirm it works. Click Done to complete the process. 
     9. To set up a your backup method (SMS/phone call), click I want to set up a different method, otherwise, click Done.
        

     Congratulations! You have successfully set up Microsoft Authenticator on your phone. 

     We recommend registering a secondary MFA method (SMS or voice call) in case the Microsoft Authenticator app is unavailable.
   • Register your phone with SMS or phone call

     1. Select Phone.
        
     2. Enter your phone number and select Receive a code or Call me. 
        

     If you chose Receive a code:

     1. You will be sent a text message with a code. 
     2. Enter this code within the prompt displayed on your screen, then click Next. 
        
     3. You will receive a notification that the phone was registered successfully. Click Done, and you'll now be able to use text messages to authenticate your sign-in. 
        

     If you chose Call me: 

     1. You will receive a notification that you will receive a call from Microsoft (855-330-8653). 
     2. Listen to the phone call, then press the # key when prompted. Once complete, you'll be notified that the call was answered and the phone was registered successfully. 
        

     We recommend registering a secondary MFA method (Microsoft Authenticator app) in case your phone number is unavailable.

Step 3: Create your new password

When MFA registration is completed, you'll be prompted to create your new password. Confirm your temporary password again in the first field, then enter your new password in both of the fields below.  

Password requirements:

Your password must: 

• Contain at least 8 characters
• Contain at least 3 of the following character types
  • Uppercase
  • Lowercase
  • Numbers
  • Special characters (~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = { } \ : ” ; ’ < > , /)

Your password must not:

• Contain your name or username
• Be similar to commonly used passwords

 

Additional Help

If you are still experiencing issues after attempting all of the steps outlined above, please contact the SD68 Helpdesk (Link)