Multi-Factor Authentication required on Microsoft 365 services for McMaster community, beginning January 2022

McMaster will be requiring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on Microsoft 365 services for all students, faculty members and staff, beginning January 2022. We continue to see a heightened number of cyber security incidents across Higher Education. MFA is an IT Security best practice and has full support from McMaster’s senior leaders, including the Provost, VP Operations and Finance, and Provost Council.

What is MFA? 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a method used to secure McMaster email and associated Microsoft applications. MFA assists in protecting accounts from being compromised, and it also minimizes access to your data if your account becomes compromised. It is free, easy-to-use and available to all students, faculty members and staff.  

MFA works by requiring ‘something else’, other than your password, to prove you are you when your account is used to login to McMaster systems. You will verify your login using various options on your mobile phone, such as an SMS code or Microsoft Authenticator App. Get more information on the MFA experience.

Please note, for now, MFA will apply only to McMaster’s Microsoft services (e.g. Email). Future MFA roll outs will follow! 

When will MFA for Microsoft 365 become mandatory for the McMaster community? 

All McMaster students, faculty members and staff are required to implement MFA on their Microsoft services/applications by April 2022. A rolling implementation will begin in January 2022, with information and support to be shared in advance and throughout the winter semester.  

However, there’s no need to wait! You can start today! McMaster students, faculty members and staff can sign up for and use MFA right now.

How-tos and FAQs can be found on the McMaster MFA page.