Multi-factor Authentication will be soon implemented to OC accounts

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)? 

MFA is when a user must provide two or more pieces of evidence to verify their identity to gain access to OC’s digital services. By using MFA, your digital identity, data, and access to OC systems are still protected even if your username and password are compromised. 

Implementing MFA is rated as the number one activity an organization can do to improve their IT security posture. OC has already been impacted by compromised accounts.  

Over the next few months, IT Services will roll out a new feature, MFA, for both staff and students, making it easier to add more security to your OC account.  This means that we will add an extra verification step to make sure you are who you say you are. 

Don’t worry, IT won’t ask you to authenticate yourself twice every time you log into Microsoft 365 or an OC system. 

 

What do you need to know right now?

 

Phase 1: MFA on Microsoft 365

  • Starting in April, IT will begin a phased approach of applying MFA to certain user groups on Microsoft 365.   
  • When IT is ready to apply MFA to your Microsoft 365 account, you will receive an email notification to your OC email account with detailed instructions a few days before your account will be affected. 
  • Once MFA has been applied to your account, you will be prompted to set up MFA to access Microsoft 365. 
  • How you log into Microsoft 365 will not look different than how you log in today, you will simply be asked to authenticate yourself by entering a code after you’ve entered your password. 

 

Phase 2: MFA on Single-Sign-On OC Systems 

  • Starting in July, we will begin another phased approach of applying MFA to all OC systems that use single-sign-on (e.g. MyOkanagan). 
  • How you log into any OC single-sign-on system will look different, it will look the same as how you log into Microsoft 365.  You will also be asked to authenticate yourself by entering a code once you’ve entered your password. 

 

What do you need to do next? 

 

  • Review the project webpage to learn more. 
  • Refer to the project timeline and check to see when your department/area will be affected. 
  • Sign up for a training session, if you wish. 
  • If you want to apply MFA now, follow these steps. 

 

For more information and additional resources including an FAQ, please visit the IT Services, MFA project webpage.

Questions, comments, or feedback?  Please do not hesitate to contact David Birch.