Multi-factor authentication for students
Concordia uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to help keep the digital assets, information and user identities of our community safe.
What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
In a nutshell, MFA means using something besides a single username and password to access your account. Whenever you sign into your Concordia account, you are prompted to provide a second factor after providing your username and password.
Your second factor is a code generated by the Microsoft Authenticator app. The Microsoft Authenticator app provides push notifications to your mobile device at sign in and can be downloaded to your mobile device for free from Google Play or Apple Store. For detailed instructions on setting up MFA, please see instructions below.
Should you wish to use an alternative MFA method to sign into your accounts, you can choose to have SMS messages sent to your mobile phone or to receive an automated voice phone call to provide you with a second factor to access your accounts. Please note that these options are not ideal if you plan to travel.
Which accounts require MFA?
- Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive.
- Student Information System (SIS)
- Moodle
- Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- eConcordia
Setting up MFA
To setup an authentication method, please visit the Microsoft account security sign-in page.
To learn how to set up MFA using the Microsoft Authenticator app, please select which type of mobile phone you are using below.
If you choose the option to receive an SMS message or call to your home phone, remember that you may not be able to authenticate when you are travelling. The MS Authenticator app is a better choice if you travel, especially outside of Canada.
What should I do if:
First setup MFA on your new phone/tablet before relinquishing possession of your old phone/tablet. MFA can be set up on multiple devices at the same time.
Once your new device is configured, erase the contents of your old device if it is being discarded.
If this is not possible, please contact the Service Desk by email at help@concordia.ca or by phone at 514-848-2424, ext. 7613.
Don’t worry, your account is safe. A phone/tablet alone is not enough to log into your account. Please contact the Service Desk by email at help@concordia.ca or by phone at 514-848-2424, ext. 7613.
If you were the victim of theft while on campus, please report the incident to Campus Security & Emergency Services at 514-848-3717. They are available 24/7.
If you do not have a cellphone, please contact our Service Desk for assistance with setting up MFA through alternative methods. You can reach us at help@concordia.ca or dial 514-848-2424, ext. 7613.