Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - Introduction & Setup

Introduction to Multi-Factor Authentication

Configuring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the strongest security measures that you can employ to protect an account that you use. The term 'Factor' in the name refers to an 'authentication factor', which is evidence that you can provide to a computer system to prove that you are who you say you are. The most common authentication factors you may see used are:

Authentication Factor
Examples Something you know Passwords Something you have Smartphone, RSA Key Generator Something you are Biometrics (e.g. finger prints)

By challenging a person to provide multiple authentication factors when logging into a computer system, the chances of unauthorized access shrink dramatically.

Getting set up

In the guide below we'll walk through the process of setting up the authenticator app on your phone so that you can do an MFA-enabled login. The app is only used for authentication, can be used to protect other accounts you have, and has no impact on your privacy; feel free to review our article going into more depth on that subject here.

If you do not have a phone that you are willing or able to use, let us know via servicedesk@kinectrics.com during the pre-registration period and we will add you to the list for a physical code-generating token.

Open a web browser on your computer and navigate to https://aka.ms/mfasetupand log in.
A window will appear with the title 'More information required', click Next to continue.
At this point you can choose whether to receive pop-up Approve/Deny notifications on your phone upon sign in, or to be asked to enter a code. Once you have selected the option you would like to proceed with, click Set up, and you will be presented with the 'Configure mobile app' window below (right).
- Note: Notifications are more convenient, but be wary not to blindly 'Approve' the pop-up unless you are actively trying to log in, else you could provide an attacker with access to your account.
Next, on your phone:
- Install the Microsoft Authenticator app, then open it.
  - Click https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/account/authenticator for download links.
- Tap the plus sign (+) to add an account and choose 'Work or School Account'
- Using your phone's camera, scan the QR code displayed on your computer.
- Tap your account name in the accounts list, you should see a 6 digit code with a timer beside it.
Back on your computer, click Next in the window titled 'Configure mobile app'
Follow the directions on your computer screen to enter the code generated by the Microsoft Authenticator app and/or approve a notification pop-up on your phone, then click Done.

Note: If you want to DELTE old device configured for your Kinectrics MFA in MS Authenticator, please login with your Kinectrics account to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and you'll see list of your devices, click DELETE on the respective device.