Q&A - Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication

This article provides users with answers to some commonly asked questions about Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).

NMSU Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication(2FA) FAQ 

What is 2FA or MFA? 
  • “Your passwords can be easily compromised. 2FA immediately increases your account security by requiring multiple forms of verification to prove your identity when signing into an application.” Microsoft (2020)
  • Enabling 2FA will ensure your accounts are up to 99.9% less likely to be compromised. 
Is this Mandatory? Do I have to sign up? 
  • Yes. Most NMSU Systems/Log in Portals will be protected by the 2FA security Policy. This ensures proper security for NMSU Data, your account, and the application you are using. 
  • April 14, 2021: Full implementation of 2FA –you will be required to start using 2FA security on your NMSU account 
What are the benefits of 2FA? 
  • Enable MFA (or 2FA) to ensure your accounts are up to 99.9% less likely to be compromised. 
What Systems will this affect? 
  • Canvas and Office 365 applications are secured. Services like Banner, Cognos, HR Sites, VPN, Etc. Will also be protected. Any site/application that uses your NMSU credentials is subject to being protected by the 2FA policy.
Can I turn off 2FA?
  • If you are using two-factor verification with your work or school account, it most likely means that your organization has decided you must use this added security feature. 
  • There is no way for you to turn it off as it is mandatory for all NMSU users. 
How do I sign up? 
  • 2FA is enabled by default for all accounts. You will be prompted for setup when you sign into your NMSU account for the first time. 
  • For more information, visit https://kb.nmsu.edu/107609 . The NMSU ICT Help Desk is also available to answer questions at help@nmsu.edu or 575-646-1840, Or Zoom. Zoom meeting ID: “icthelpdesk” 
What if I do not have a Smart Phone? (Receive a call or SMS Text Message) 
  • 2FA allows you to use different factors such as a home, cell, or office phone to receive a call or SMS text message to verify your identity. 
  • For those users who do not have a smart phone or landline, electronic key tokens will be available upon request. 
What if I reset my smart phone? 
  • If you have multiple devices for verifying your identity, you can sign in to manage, add/remove other devices using these instructions https://kb.nmsu.edu/108898
  • Otherwise, please Contact the ICT Help Desk for further support. Contact Info Below. 
What if I got a new phone or mobile device? 
I answered my 2FA challenge, but nothing happened. What do I do now?
  • Please check your device for any additional prompts. The Authenticator application may use an app lock setting by default that requires you to enter your device pin/fingerprint/face ID that is specific to your phone and configured in the device security settings. NMSU will not have access to this information. 
  • If the notification, call, or SMS text message does not go through, please close all browser windows and try again. 
Where do I manage my 2FA factors and device settings (Add or Remove Devices: Cell phone, Office Phone, Authenticator App)? 
What if I lost my phone or do not have access to it?
  • If you have already configured 2FA using the lost device, please contact us so that we can terminate any sessions to that device. We can also assist with regaining access so that you can add an additional factor for authentication while your phone is missing. help@nmsu.edu 575-646-1840 Or Zoom ID: icthelpdesk 
Who do I contact if I have any other issues? 
ICT Virtual Helpdesk Contact info & Zoom Link/ Meeting ID
help@nmsu.edu 
575-646-1840
Zoom Link: https://nmsu.zoom.us/my/icthelpdesk 
Or meeting ID: icthelpdesk


Keywords2FA, Two-factor authentication, questions and answers, Q&A   Doc ID110024
OwnerAhmed D.GroupNMSU
Created2021-03-31 12:27 MDTUpdated2022-08-10 15:20 MDT
SitesNew Mexico State University
Feedback  12   31