Prepare for Entra MFA: Setup Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator is a free mobile app that enhances account security by enabling passwordless sign-in, two-step verification, and account recovery. It supports personal, work, and school accounts and is available for both iOS and Android device.

Purpose

Florida Atlantic is officially making the switch from DUO Multifactor Authentication to Entra MFA. To prepare for the switch during the Fall semester, the Office of Information Technology Identity & Access Management team will be enabling Entra MFA for Microsoft-provided services starting in October 2025, and migrating additional services through the end of the Fall semester.

Questions

1. What is Microsoft Entra MFA?
   
   Entra MFA is Microsoft's cloud-based multi-factor authentication service that adds a layer of security by requiring additional verification methods beyond a password during sign-ins. The Microsoft Authenticator app is a specific authentication method used with Entra MFA to provide that second factor through push notifications, one-time codes, or passwordless sign-in via biometrics or a PIN. 
    
2. What happens if I do not enroll? 
   
   You will be unable to access Microsoft Outlook, Word, Copilot and other Microsoft Authenticated Services until you complete the enrollment process.

 

First, Download the Microsoft Authenticator Application

1. On your phone, head to the app store and find Microsoft Authenticator or scan the QR code below.
2. Linking your account to the app will happen in the steps below in the next section.

Second, Enroll in Microsoft Entra MFA

1. Open the Microsoft "Authenticator" application 
2. When asked if you are Ready to add an account click "Add account"
3. Enter your NetID followed by @fau.edu. Example: testaccount22@fau.edu, testaccount23@health.fau.edu for users with HIPAA email accounts
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Microsoft Authenticator enrollment process. See below for example screenshots. 

Sample Enrollment Process, this may differ from phone to phone:

1. Open the Authenticator Application
2. Click the plus button to Add account, if type of account is asked, select Work or school account. 
   
3. Enter your FAU email address
   
4. Login with your FAUNet ID
   
5. Confirm your Duo MFA when prompted
6. Click Finish Later when asked to configure Entra MFA as you are already completing this task.
7. Successfully added account
    

Need Help?

Submit a ticket for assistance