Multi-Factor Authentication

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of multi-factor authentication (MFA), please visit our overview page to learn the basics first before continuing.

What should I do to prepare for MFA?

Check out our readiness info page for details. You'll learn useful tips to help ensure your Multi-Factor Authentication setup goes smoothly.

Should I get the Microsoft Authenticator App?

YES! Use of this app is the recommended way to work with your MFA account prompts and provides the smoothest experience for travelers. Visit our MS Authenticator App wiki page to learn how to download the app and get it set up.

How do I set up MFA?

ITS enables MFA on new accounts and sends a “Middlebury Multi-Factor Authentication Enrollment” email containing links to Microsoft’s MFA Setup page and our Security Info Quick Setup guide. Follow the instructions presented to set up authentication methods you wish to use with your account.

Important:

Any device you wish to configure to use MFA must have a working network connection at the time of setup.
By clicking the "Set it up now" button, you are activating Multi-Factor Authentication and you must complete the setup process or you may be unable to access your account, including your email.

Which MFA setup method should I choose?

Here are descriptions of the most common scenarios, along with our MFA setup recommendations for each one. Please visit our MFA verification wiki page for additional details about specific options.

Scenario A: I have a Smartphone -- and I travel internationally and/or travel in areas without cellular coverage.

Choose Microsoft's Authenticator app with a code.

This method is recommended when you have a device that supports Microsoft's Authenticator app and you will be in areas without consistent network access. When presented with an MFA prompt you will need to input the code displayed by the Authenticator app to complete your login.

Network access is NOT required for the MS Authentication app to provide you with a code.

Scenario B: I have a Smartphone -- and I rarely travel in areas without cellular coverage.

Choose Microsoft's Authenticator app with notifications.

This method is recommended when you have a device that supports Microsoft's Authenticator app and you will be in areas with consistent network access. When presented with an MFA prompt you will need to click Approve on your device to complete your login. Caution! Only click Approve when you have signed into a service you anticipate will trigger an authentication prompt.

Network access cellular or wifi IS required for the MS Authentication app to provide a notification.

Scenario C: I have a Flip or Feature phone.

Choose Phone then specify Call or Text.

This method is recommended when you have a device that doesn’t support the Microsoft Authenticator app. When presented with an MFA prompt you will have to receive a phone call then press #, or else receive an SMS text message then enter the provided code, in order to complete your login.

Travel to areas without cellular coverage is not supported by this method.

How do I use Multi-factor Authentication once I have it set up?

Once you complete your MFA set up, here is what to expect:

When you log in to an MFA-protected service (such as Webmail or Google) there is one additional step. After correctly entering your Middlebury email address and password at the login screen of the service you wish to access, you will be prompted to verify your login request. This could be in the form of a phone call, text message, or mobile app notification or code, depending on the option you specified during the setup process.

For example, if you chose the "Notify me through the app" option, you would enter your Middlebury email address and password at the online service’s login screen, then you would receive a notification from the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device prompting you to “Approve" or “Deny” the login request.

Important notes:

During the login process you can click the checkbox to remember my device for 30 days. With this setting enabled, you may not be prompted again for Multi-Factor Authentication from that application on that device for another thirty days. Please note that some services will prompt for authentication every time, regardless.
Caution! Only approve verification requests that you initiate! This is relevant to the "Notify me through app" and "Call my authentication phone" verification options. Imagine an online criminal has your password and is trying to access your account. Once Multi-Factor Authentication has been enabled for your account, this access attempt would generate a login verification request. If you approved this verification request, the criminal would be able to access your account!

How do I set up MFA to access Oracle or Blackbaud?

Oracle and Blackbaud accounts are provided by the Green Mountain Higher Education Consortium (GMHEC) rather than Middlebury, and they require a separate MFA setup.

If you are off-campus and you already have MFA protection set up for your Middlebury account, you will be prompted to enroll in GMHEC's multi-factor authentication (MFA) if you haven’t done so. See “Enrolling in GMHEC Multi-Factor Authentication” for information.

Why might I need to change my MFA settings?

Here are the most common reasons why you might want to change your MFA settings:

Lost cell phone
New cell phone
Different default authentication method is desired (text message, phone call, app code, etc.), particularly due to upcoming travel needs.

How do I change my MFA settings?

Tips for new/upgrading phones:

Make sure to set your MFA to text on the setup page before you switch. This will allow you to answer the first MFA prompt when downloading the Authenticator app onto your new phone.

It's easy to adjust your multi-factor authentication settings. Here's how:

For your Middlebury account, visit http://go.middlebury.edu/mfasetup.
For your GMHEC account for use with Oracle, visit the GMHEC app panel.
You will receive a Midd MFA prompt through your current default method.
On the My Sign-ins,Security Info page (shown below)...
- Your default method for receiving MFA prompts appears right at the top, above the authentication methods you set up previously.
- You'll see links at right that allow you to change or delete most entries you set up previously.
- If you were using the Microsoft Authenticator app on a device you no longer plan to use (or lost), click Delete beside the device entry to remove it. Next, click + Add Method then go through the Authenticator app setup steps to set up your new device.

Related Pages

Microsoft Authenticator App -- how to get it and set it up
MFA Verification Methods
MFA for GMHEC application access - GMHEC apps (such as Oracle and Blackbaud) have a separate MFA setup

MFA Setup Guides

Middlebury's MFA Setup Guide (go/mfaguide/)
Enrolling in GMHEC's MFA (go/gmhecmfaguide/)

Library & ITS Wiki