To confirm your identity when logging in to Office 365 applications, ICT strongly recommends you download and use the Microsoft Authenticator App, which you can find out more about on this web page.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is another level of protection to your account on top of your password. This can be a notification sent to a personal device (notification to Microsoft Authenticator App, SMS or phone call) or to a personal account (email) to confirm it is in fact yourself logging in. Imperial uses MFA when logging in to Office 365 applications.

Add extra security

A video on how to add extra security to your accountPlay video
A video on how to add extra security to your account

Why Use MFA?

MFA adds an extra layer of protection to your account. This means if your account is compromised and your details are shared, it will be even more difficult to gain access to the account. This protects yourself and the College's data. 

Configuring MFA

After MFA has been enabled on your account you will need to configure the options that best suit you the first time you logon to Office 365.  MFA requires you to use a personal device that you will have on-hand with you; we recommend you download the Microsoft Authenticator app to your phone. Use the below instructions to set up MFA on your account. 

  1. On your phone, visit the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android) to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app. Ensure that you allow it to use your camera and send notifications when it prompts you.
  2. On your computer, go to your MySign-Ins Microsoft account page
  3. Click Add method.
  4. On the Add a method window, ensure Authenticator app is selected from the list, and click Add.
  5. On the Start by getting the app window, click Next.
  6. On the Set up your account window, click Next.
  7. On your phone, open the Authenticator app. If you’re asked for an unlock code, that’s your phone’s PIN (it may alternatively require your fingerprint or retina scan if you’ve set up either of those methods on your phone).
  8. Click the menu button (three dots) and then Add account.
  9. Click Work or school account.
  10. Click Scan a QR code. If the app asks for permission to use your camera, click Allow.
  11. The app should then open a QR code scanner. Point your camera at the QR code on your computer screen.
  12. Click Next on the computer.
  13. Click Enable phone sign-in or Approve on your phone. You may also need to unlock the app using your phone’s PIN, your fingerprint or retina scan.
  14. Click Next on your computer.
  15. Click Set default sign-in method, or Change if there’s already one set.
  16. Select Microsoft Authenticator – notification from the list, and click Confirm.

In case you are unable to access your mobile phone for some reason (e.g. your phone has run out of battery or you have lost your phone), make sure you set up a secondary method. Learn how to set up a secondary method from the FAQs below. 

The Microsoft help web pages also offer in-depth instructions on how to use Microsoft Authenticator with Microsoft 365. 

MFA enhancements February 2023

Frequently asked questions