Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Created by Kimberly Adkins

  • USF IT strongly recommends setting up multiple authentication types - such as text and authenticator app. This will help in case you lose your primary device and need a back-up.
  • Please also ensure that you are using an up-to-date app/access method for your Email. This is one of the most important steps you can take. Click below for a table of approved Email apps (clients) for your use. 
 Approved Applications

Approved Email Apps

Email programPlatformSupported
Outlook Web AccessWebYes
Outlook 2016 and newerWindows/MACYes
Outlook 2013 and earlierWindows/MACUnsupported - contact the Helpdesk for assistance
Outlook MobileiOS/Android (Mobile)Yes
Built-in MailNewest 3 major iOS versionsYes
Built-in MailNewest 3 major Android OS versions (with caveats depending on device manufacturer)Only certain devices - we suggest using Outlook mobile
Mac mailNewest 3 major MacOS versionsYes
ThunderbirdAllNo - Thunderbird version 77.0b1 or later will work, but is still not supported.


What does it look like?

You will, depending on your preferred set-up option, receive a login prompt like the one below.

2FA prompt

First Time Set-Up

Setting up MFA is self-service - meaning that you can set this up on your own. To begin, click the topics below or visit https://aka.ms/mfasetup 


 How do I perform first time set up?

Visit https://aka.ms/mfasetup and login if prompted with your USF credentials. If asked, choose 'Work or school account'.  The program will walk you through first-time set-up. We strongly recommend setting multiple methods in case you lose your device.

For instructions, use the link below.

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/set-up-multi-factor-authentication-for-microsoft-365-ace1d096-61e5-449b-a875-58eb3d74de14

 How do I set up the authenticator app?

Once you have the app downloaded from your app store (click here), you can head over to https://aka.ms/mfasetup and select "authenticator" checkbox.

For a detailed walkthrough, click the link below.

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/use-microsoft-authenticator-with-microsoft-365-1412611f-ad8d-43ab-807c-7965e5155411 

 Will I be prompted every time to login?

No, but you will be required to validate your credentials with multifactor at least once per device, per 60 days. So, if you are prompted on your computer (which will happen the first time) you will not be prompted again on that same computer for 60 days. If you log into USF email or Teams from a kiosk at the airport, you will be prompted at that point in time.

 Why implement this now?

Everyone is working remotely - consequently USF IT has lost the ability to 'trust' that a computer has the appropriate virus protection, or other security settings. Multi-factor authentication dramatically improves the security of your account, compared to a traditional username and password combination.

 I can't sync my email on my mobile phone.

Make sure you are using a supported client from the table above. 

If you are using a supported client, please remove and re-add your Office 365 account to your mobile device.

If you are unable to solve your issue with this knowledge article you can contact the IT Service Desk by calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu. 

If you find any errors or omissions on any knowledge base page, please send an email to the 'DocTeam' at ITDocTeam@usf.edu.