UNC uses Microsoft’s Multi-Factor Authentication for all faculty, staff, and student accounts. Multi-factor authentication means you must use a form of identification to sign into your UNC account. This two-step verification adds extra protection to your UNC account in the case that someone were to get your password they would not be able to access your account without a second form of verification. Note that a computer and your mobile device is the best way to set this up.

MMFA APP Installation Instructions

  1. Download & install the Microsoft Authenticator app to your mobile device.
  2. Sign in to your account security dashboard on your computer.
  3. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify and choose Use an app.
  4. If you’ve already installed the app, select Next to display a QR code appear on the screen.
  5. In the authenticator app on your mobile device, select [three dots] then + Add account.
  6. Choose the account type and select Scan a QR code.
  7. Scan the code shown on the computer screen in step 4.
  8. Select Finish on the computer to complete the setup.

Note that if you get a new phone, you will need to re-setup Authenticator on your new device.

IM&T recommends this option. This will make authentication simple and easy! Note that Text/Call Authentication is being depreciated by Microsoft; moving forward you will need the app.

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Tips to keep your UNC account safe and secure! These tips can help protect your UNC account and strengthen it against attacks.

  • Download the free app: The Microsoft Authenticator app is not only free to download but is also a secure & convenient way to sign into your account.
  • Watch for phishing attempts: Neither UNC nor Microsoft will ever ask for your password in an email. NEVER reply to any email asking for personal information.
  • Create a strong password: Make sure your new password is significantly different from previous passwords. Use a sentence or phrase, not single words. Make your password hard to guess.

You can set up your preferred method of multi-factor by accessing the Multi-factor Setup Portal. 

You will be able to exempt your device for up to 60 days before being prompted to use your second factor again. Use the Microsoft Authenticator application on your mobile device and use the “Notify me through app” option. This will walk you through downloading and installing the application and whenever you need to use the multi-factor authentication it will just send a prompt to your phone.

Be mindful:

If you get a multi-factor prompt from the application, but you are not trying to login, click the Deny or No button and report the attempt to it.security@unco.edu. It means that someone has your logon credentials.

Additional resources: