Westchester Community College, State University of New York

Multi-Factor Authentication

As an additional step in keeping Westchester Community college data secure and protected against Cyber Attacks, the College will be rolling-out Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) starting March 1st, 2022 for all Office 365 applications. MFA is a secure method for accessing Email/Office 365 applications and consists of the following:

• Something you know – Your UserID + Password
• Something you are provided – Passcode (sent via text msg, phone call, or application

Note: The new authentication system will provide you with a passcode that validates who you are. 

Verification Types (Passcode)

Below are the ways you can choose to verify your identity when logging into MFA-enabled Application.

You can register multiple methods of verification:

• Phone Call
• Text Message
• Microsoft Authentication App

Video Instructions for Configuring Multi-Factor Authentication with a mobile device

Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication

What do first time users need to do?

A notification will pop up automatically on Teams or Outlook instructing you that "more information is required". Please see the below prompt:

You will be asked to select your secondary verification method as depicted in the picture below:

If you select text message:

If you selected “Send me a code by text message” in Step 2, you should now receive a verification code on your phone via SMS, enter it into the field provided and click the Verify button as depicted below:

When your verification is correct, you will see the message depicted below that shows "Verification successful!"

If you select Phone Call:

If you selected “Call me” in step 1, you will receive a phone call, enter the # key to verify the sign-in request.

(Optional) Using the Microsoft Authentication Mobile App:

Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app before starting the MFA enrollment process. Android users can find this application in the Google Play Store, and iOS users can find the same program in Apple’s App Store. Search for the “Microsoft Authenticator” app which should have look identical to the icon below and install the application to your device.

Select Mobile App from the drop-down menu. Next select whether you would like to “Receive notifications for verification” or “Use verification code”. The difference between these options is depicted below:

After you have selected how you would like to use the app press the “Set up” button. A window will appear with a QR code. Follow the instructions in the window to configure the app. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, select add account and make sure to choose “Work or School Account”. Scan the barcode using the device’s camera (note you may be prompted to allow the app to access your camera).

You may see a six-digit code in the app, verify this, and click the Next button. Once verified, you will now receive a notification on the Authenticator app. If you chose “Receive notification for verification” you will see the screen below:

Click the Approve option within the Authenticator app on your phone.

If you chose “Use verification code” in step 1, you will see the screen below.

Select your account if it has not automatically opened and enter the verification code from the Authenticator app into the box provided in Step 2 of the wizard. Finally Click the Verify button.

Adding an additional MFA verification device

Need help logging into your account?

• Students – Contact the MyWCC Student Helpdesk at 914-606-5600 or by email at MyWCCHelpdesk@sunywcc.edu
• Faculty/Staff – Contact the WCC Helpdesk at 914-606-6665 or by email at Helpdesk@sunywcc.edu