Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Since Illinois State University is taking steps in ensuring the safety of all faculty, staff and students, here are some important concepts about multi-factor authentication:

• Multi-factor authentication is required for all faculty, staff, annuitants/retirees, and students.
  • Note: Newly admitted students will NOT be required to set up MFA until they receive access to their ISU email accounts, which occurs shortly before their scheduled Preview or Transfer date.
• Enabling multi-factor authentication is required first before choosing your method of authentication. Methods of authentication include: phone call, text message, or the Microsoft Authenticator application notification.
• Multi-factor authentication mostly applies to off-campus logins.
• Multi-factor authentication protects more than just your email account.
• You can set your multi-factor authentication in a way so that you are only asked for authentication every 60 days instead of constantly being prompted for it.
  • Note: Authenticating via MFA will be required every time you log into the university VPN service.

If you want to learn more about this process, you can either call the Technology Support Center at 309-438-4357 or you can submit a ticket.

These are the most common reasons why your MFA may stop working:

• You acquired a new phone or phone number
• Unusual activity (you may have reported a suspicious sign-in request)
• Account has been compromised 
• Account has been locked 
• Stuck in an MFA Authentication loop
• MFA will not give code 

To fix these issues you will need to reset your Multi Factor Authenticator. To do this, please contact the Technology Support Center at (309) 438-4357 or by email at SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu. The TSC will need to verify your identity by seeing a government issued ID either by submission using our secure file drop system or by Zoom call. A Redbird card will NOT work. 

If you are a student or employee of Illinois State University, you will need to enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) on your ULID account. For instructions on how to enable Multi-Factor Authentication, see How to Enable Multi-Factor Authentication.

Once you have enabled Multi-Factor Authentication, you will need to set up a verification method. There are three options available: receiving a phone call to your specified phone number, receiving a text message with a code, or approving your sign-in using the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app. For instructions on how to set up these methods, click the appropriate link below. 

• Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication using the Mobile App This is the most secure method and recommended as your primary method of multi-factor authentication.
• Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication Using Your Phone Number - Phone Call Verification
• Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication Using Your Phone Number - Text Message Verification
• Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication using a FIDO2 Security Key

After enabling Multi-Factor Authentication and setting up your devices you will use to approve sign ins, you will be required to utilize multi-factor authentication when logging in to Microsoft 365, using a Microsoft 365 application, Campus Solutions, or iPeople from an off-campus location. VPN requires MFA verification from any location. Verification methods may be remembered up for up to 60 days, so you do not need to approve your sign in every time you access an Microsoft 365 service. For instructions on how to remember your verification method see Remembering Your Multi-Factor Authentication Verification Method.

• Sign in Using Multi-Factor Authentication

What is Multi-Factor Authentication 

Using MFA to Log in to Illinois State University