Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Students

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) helps protect you by making it more difficult for someone else to sign in to your WSU account. It uses two different forms of identity: your password, and an additional authentication method. Even if someone else finds your password, they'll be stopped if they don't have access to your authentication method or device.

WSU Software Impacted by MFA

Currently enrolled WSU students will be required to use Microsoft's MFA software when logging into the following software:

  • Email
  • Blackboard
  • All Microsoft Office 365 products associated with your WSU student account

Types of Authentication Methods or Devices:

There are various ways to verify or authenticate:

  • Highly Recommended: Microsoft Authenticator App
    • Currently may be required for Blackboard Authentication
    • Can be downloaded onto your mobile device, only iOS & Android compatible. Click the link below for information, and set up instructions for Microsoft's Authenticator App for Mobile Devices.
      Click for link to MS Authentication Link information
  • Non-WSU email address
  • Phone number

FAQs

Who is required to register for Microsoft MFA?

Currently enrolled students who are taking classes are required to register for MFA.

Note:  Existing WSU employees who are taking classes are NOT required to register for Microsoft's MFA.  WSU staff & faculty use Duo for multi-factor authentication

  • Student Employees will use Duo to authenticate while an employee.  When they are no longer a student employee and revert to student only status they will use Microsoft MFA.
How do I add more than one authentication method, or change an existing method?

Additional authentication methods, for example a second phone number, can be added or changed by logging onto the Office 365 site, email app, or by using the mobile application.

Using o365.wichita.edu to change/update verification methods

To add or change a verification method from within the Office365 app

  • Log in o365.wichita.edu
    Use:  WSUID@wichita.edu (x111x222@wichita.edu) & WSU ID password
  • In Settings located in the upper right of the o365 window, select 'Update contact preferences'
    Image of Settings icon and update contact preferences
  • Click Security info to update or add methods

Image of security information and the steps listed below

  1.  Click 'Add sign-in method' to add a method and follow the required steps
  2. Click 'Enable two-step verification' to include as an option for two step verification and follow the required steps
  3. Click 'Delete' to remove the method
Using email access to change/update verification methods

To add or change a verification method from within the Online Outlook App

  • Click on the Account Manager located in the upper right of the o365 window, select 'Update contact preferences'
    Image of Settings icon and update contact preferences
  • Click Security info to update or add methods

Image of security information and the steps listed below

  1.  Click 'Add sign-in method' to add a method and follow the required steps
  2. Click 'Enable two-step verification' to include as an option for two step verification and follow the required steps
  3. Click 'Delete' to remove the method

Information regarding the mobile application is listed above.

How to sync the Microsoft Authenticator app with my Office 365 account

In certain instances, you may need to sync your Microsoft Authenticator app with the Security Info in your Office365 account.

To sync or add the Microsoft Authenticator app to your Officer365 account:

Once logged into your Office365 account, access Security Info using one of the methods listed above, then sync or add the Microsoft Authenticator app using the following steps:

  1. Click on Security Info
  2. Click Add sign-in method
  3. Select Authenticator App
    Image showing steps 1 through 3
  4. Once you download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app onto your mobile device, Click Next
    Image showing step 4
  5. Complete the steps to set up your account when prompted. Click Next
    Image showing step 6
    • From the App on your mobile device - Select Scan QR Code
      Image of step listed above
    • Scan the QR code with your mobile device and click Next
      Image showing step 5
    • Enter the Authentication number when requested on your Mobile device
      Image of step listed above
    • Click Next once approved
      Image of step listed above
  6. You will get a notification in the upper right of the Security Info page stating that the Microsoft Authenticator app was successfully registered and the app will be listed as an authentication method
    Image of step 7
What if my information changes and I cannot log into my account?

If your current information with WSU is incorrect, and you cannot log in to register for MFA, please contact ITS Help Desk during business hours.

Contact Information:

Once you can log in you can register and/or update your information as needed by logging into Office 365 or by using the Microsoft Authenticator app.