Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) - Overview

U.S. Cellular customers: The Southwest Tech Fennimore campus resides in a poor US Cellular coverage area. While inside campus buildings, signal strength may be very weak or nonexistent. We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app since the app can function over Wi-Fi and guest Wi-Fi access is available.

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is a secondary method of authenticating when you sign in with your Southwest Tech account into a Microsoft service. Upon entering your email address and password, you will be brought to a screen asking you to authenticate the login by using:

• Microsoft Authenticator app - You will be sent a notification on your device that has the Authenticator app installed. On that notification, select "Approve" to authenticate the login. Once you select "Approve" the login process will complete automatically. This method is generally the fastest and doesn't require cell phone service. For these reasons, this is the recommended method.
  
  
• Phone call - You will receive an automated call from Microsoft. When you answer the call, you will be prompted to press the "#" when to authenticate the login. This can be used on a cell phone or landline phone.
  
  
• Text message - You will receive a text message from Microsoft with a numerical code. You will enter the code you received into the sign-in box on the website to authenticate the login.

It is recommended that you have multiple methods set up in case one option is not available to you.

When signing into your account for the first time, you will be required to add a phone number for MFA and Self-Service Password Reset.

This method will be your default method for MFA unless you add another authentication method below.

To use MFA, you can authenticate through push notifications via the Authenticator app, phone calls, or texts.

It is recommended that you have multiple methods set up in case one option is not available to you.

Expand the sections below to see how each authentication type works and to register them.

Note: The instructions in these steps guide you through manually addiding an additional authentication method. If this is your first time signing into your account you will be directly brought into the Authenticator steps.

Microsoft Authenticator App - Register with a computer ⏩ Recommended Method ⏪

Microsoft Authenticator App - Register from a mobile device

Phone Call

Text Message

If you would like to delete or change the default method used between Authenticator app, calling, or texting, follow the instructions below.

Change your default authentication method

Delete an authentication method

When you get a new phone or phone number there are a few steps you'll want to take to avoid not being able to re-authenticate:

Already got a new phone

• If you HAVE access to your old phone you can still use that utilize the Authenticator app and approve a sign-in. Follow the steps above to add another authentication method above as soon as possible so you don't need to rely on the old phone. Once your new method is added, it is recommended that you delete the authentication method for your old phone (see the "Delete an authentication method" instructions above) to avoid confusion and in case it is sold, given away, or repurposed for something else.
  
  
• If you DON'T have access to your old phone (traded it in, broken, etc.), and you don't have your phone number configured as a second authentication method, you will need to contact the Charger Technology Support Center for assistance.

Getting a new phone

• If you only have the Authenticator app set up, add your phone number as an additional authentication method following the instructions above so you can call or text for authentication.
  
  Once you get your new phone, follow the instructions above to add the Authenticator app on your new phone. Be sure to delete the old Authenticator authentication method for your old phone (see the "Delete an authentication method" instructions above) to avoid confusion and in case it was, or will be, sold, given away, or repurposed for something else.

Phone number changed

• If your phone number has changed, you still have the same device, and you previously used the Authenticator app, the app should continue functioning and be unaffected by phone number change. It is recommended that you add your new phone number as an authentication method following the instructions above as a backup.
  
  
• If you also received, or will be receiving, a new phone with your phone number change, see the new phone steps above.

• What if I have poor cellular service?
  If you have poor cellular service at home, on campus, or anywhere else you may need to sign in, we recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app because it can operate over Wi-Fi or a cellular connection.
  
  
• How can I sign in where there is no cellular service or Wi-Fi?
  The Microsoft Authenticator app also has the ability to work with no internet connection. When you sign in, select "I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now" and then select "Use a verification code". Then open up the Authenticator app on your phone, select your "swtc.edu" account and enter in the 6-digit "One-time password code".
  
  
• How can I use MFA in a location where I can't have a phone?
  If you need to sign into a Southwest Tech service where no phones are allowed (cell phone or landline), please reach out to Southwest Tech Technology Support. You will be provided with a hardware token with a rotating 6-digit code used for authentication.
  
  
• Can I set Microsoft Authenticator to auto-approve all MFA notifications?
  No - Auto approval of notifications isn’t an option. For MFA to be effective, you must be aware of when you should approve/deny a notification.
  Example - You are away from work for the weekend and you receive an approve/deny notification on the Microsoft Authenticator app – you should DENY the login.  If you are unsure if you requested the login, the login should be denied.
  
  
• What happens if I forgot my phone at home?
  If you have one configured, use a secondary method to authenticate. This can be done by selecting the "I can't us my ..." link below the approve sign in request. If no other methods are available to you, contact the to Charger Technology Support Center for temporary methods to gain access.
  
  
• What if get a new phone or phone number?
  See the "New Phone or Phone Number" section above for instructions on how to configure a second method.