Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

Summary

To improve the security of your accounts, GCC is adding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to the process you follow when logging into your GCC email (faculty and staff only) and myGCC (everyone).  In short, MFA provides another layer of identity verification beyond your password.  This document explains how to setup MFA, then how to utilize it subsequently when you log in. 

Before You Start

You will need to be an active student, faculty or staff member of GCC with a NetID@genesee.edu account and know your password.

Steps 

1. To properly set up MFA we recommend having a computer AND your phone handly. Trying to set up MFA from your phone only can cause issues.
2. On your computer open a browser and navigate to https://aka.ms./mfasetup
   1. Click ‘Sign In. Enter your GCC in the format NetID@genesee.edu
   2. Click “Next”, then on the next window enter your password and click
   3. For first time set up click "next" until you see a QR Code ​​
3. On your phone download and install the "Microsoft Authenticator App" Typically it is the 2nd one in the list, make sure your icon for the app looks like the one shown.
   1. select “Approve”. You’re all linked up!
   2. Click “Next”.  Microsoft will send a notification to your phone
   3. On the next page, you should see the message: “Mobile app has been configured for notifications and verification codes”.  
   4. Click “Next” on your computer.
   5. and then “scan QR code”. You will scan the QR code with your phone. Once the QR code is scanned, your app will be linked.
   6. choose “Work or school account”,
   7. Open the app on your phone, touch “Add an account”,
   8. Follow the directions on the next screen to link your phone, Authenticator app, and account.
4. At this point, you may be asked to re-validate your phone number. Follow the directions on the screen.
   Congratulations! You’re done setting up MFA!  You won’t need to perform these steps again!
5. The next time you attempt to log in, the “More information required” window will appear again. This is Multi-Factor Authentication in action! You’ll see this on any new device you log into from off-campus. Click “Next”.