Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA FAQs)
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Messiah University has implemented Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) when logging into Messiah-issued Microsoft accounts. This provides a second form of authentication beyond a password to increase security of individual user accounts as well as protect our institutional systems in this era of increasing need for appropriate and proactive cybersecurity measures.
The primary method for MFA is the use of the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone. This is the most secure and easiest to use option for securing your Messiah University account.
When signing in with your Messiah University Microsoft account, you will receive a prompt through Authenticator to approve the sign-in. If you ever receive this prompt when you are not actively signing in yourself, you will want to tap Deny to protect your account.
VIEW Instructions to setup Microsoft Authenticator and secure your account
If you get a new phone, make sure to transfer and setup Microsoft Authenticator using your old phone before wiping, trading in, or disposing of it! Failure to do so will mean you will need to contact Technology Support to be verified and have your account reset.
- Install Microsoft Authenticator if it is not installed already
- Tap the + button to add a new account
- Tap Work or school account
- Tap Sign in and proceed to sign-in using your Messiah University email account
- When prompted, approve your sign-in using Authenticator on your old phone and complete the setup on your new phone
Unfortunately, there is no self-service way to resolve this. We will need to verify your identity before we can make any changes to your account so you can regain access. You can stop by Technology Support's Office on the first floor of Old Main or contact Technology Support by calling 717-796-4444 for assistance. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. If you call, you will need a secondary device in addition to your phone (e.g. a computer or iPad) available to use to set up Microsoft Authenticator.
You can view and edit your current verification methods by signing in at https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info. You may want to delete old devices that you see listed. You can also setup Microsoft Authenticator to work one more than one device if you like, but be aware that you will receive the notification on all registered devices when signing in.
You may need to start over by following the instructions. If you are still experiencing difficulties, please contact Technology Support so we can help you complete the registration process.
After setting up MFA, some users are not prompted to authenticate their account for the Mail app on iPhones and their account is no longer in sync. To resolve this issue, you need to remove your Messiah e-mail account from your iPhone and add it again. Here are detailed instructions for this process:
- Go to Settings
- Tap on Mail then tap on Accounts
- Tap on your Messiah account
- Tap on Delete Account to remove the account from your device. (All your e-mail will remain on the server. This just removes it from your device.)
- After the account has been removed, tap on Add Account
- Tap on Exchange (NOT Outlook.com)
- Enter the following Information:
- Email Address is username@messiah.edu
- Enter an Account Description (i.e. Messiah University)
- Click the next button in the upper right corner
- When prompted with Sign in to your "messiah.edu" Exchange account using Microsoft?, tap on Sign in
- Enter your Messiah account password when prompted and complete the sign-in process
- Tap Next and verify the account information you wish to be sync'd
- Tap Save to save the account
If you have received the above error message, it is likely you did not install the correct app. The Microsoft Authenticator app has a blue icon of a lock with the silhouette of a person inside it.
The correct links for the iOS or Android app are:
The Microsoft Authenticator app for both iOS and Android is completely FREE! If you are being prompted to pay for the app, you are not installing the correct one. The correct app has a blue icon of a lock with the silhouette of a person inside it.
The correct links for the iOS or Android app are:
Microsoft provides some helpful tips on this page including what to check if you are set-up, but don't seem to be receiving notifications to verify your sign-in. If you cannot find the answer you need there, please contact Technology Support for further assistance.