With more MTSU systems using single sign-on (SSO) services, it has never been more important to protect your MTSU account from unauthorized access. SSO services make it easier to access MTSU systems using a common user name and password. However, this also means the risk associated with a compromised user name and password significantly increases.

Phishing attacks, malware, and social engineering constantly target the University population with the intent of stealing users’ credentials to gain unauthorized access to MTSU systems. While users should always create strong passwords to protect against unauthorized access, passwords alone are simply no longer a sufficient means of authentication.

As a result, MTSU now offers multi-factor authentication services to protect your MTSU account. This means systems using SSO services will require a second factor of authentication in addition to a password. So if hackers compromise your password, they would still need a second factor, like your phone, to complete an authentication request.

MTSU’s Information Technology Division implemented Microsoft Azure multi-factor authentication, which provides the ability to use a smartphone or tablet as a second factor of authentication. Users can approve or deny authentication requests via online push notifications or generate verification codes using the Microsoft Authenticator mobile application. Users without smartphones or tablets may alternatively enroll a macOS or Windows computer using the Authy app or a basic cellular phone number to receive a text message with a verification code or a phone call to approve or deny requests. Users who do not have access to or do not wish to use the above options may contact the ITD Help Desk at (615) 898-5345 or at help@mtsu.edu for other options.

For more information, please visit our FAQ section.

Instructions

• How to enroll with the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app (recommended)
• How to enroll with text messages or phone calls
• How to enroll a macOS or Windows computer with Authy
• How to enroll an alternate or backup authentication device
  • Enroll another mobile device using Microsoft Authenticator (p. 1-6)
  • Enroll a macOS or Windows computer with Authy (p. 7-13)
  • Enroll an alternate authentication phone like a home phone (p. 14)
• How to change your authentication method (e.g. from text messages to Microsoft Authenticator)
  • Change to Microsoft Authenticator push notifications (p. 1-8)
  • Change to phone calls (p. 9-10)
  • Change to text messages (p. 11-12)
  • Change to a verification code from app (p. 13-14)
• Alternate ways to authenticate with Multi-factor Authentication
  
  • Microsoft Authenticator mobile app verification codes
  • Text messages with verification codes
  • Phone calls
• How to create an App Password
• How to set up MTMail with an App Password
  • iOS Mail
  • MacOS Mail
  • Android Gmail App