On Tuesday, Feb. 21, UWM IT will make security updates to the Microsoft authenticator app. This update is required by Microsoft to increase security and reduce accidental approvals.
The new process requires users to enter the number displayed on the sign-in screen when approving a multifactor authentication request in the authenticator app. This change applies only to the use of the Microsoft authenticator app push notification option. All other authentication processes will remain the same.
Microsoft authenticator notifications will also display additional context indicating app and location, based on IP address, used in the authentication request. Please note: Location is based on the IP address used in the authentication request, which may not always map to the physical location of the user.
When logging into UWM systems and authenticating using the Microsoft authenticator app push notification, you will now see a number displayed in the sign-in prompt on screen. On your mobile device you will receive a push notification. When you open the push notification, you will see the location map of the IP address where you are attempting to sign in and a prompt with a text box and number pad to match the number on screen. Enter the number from the sign-in prompt on screen, and tap yes to approve the sign in.
If the location map presented in the prompt does not match your physical location, this could be for reasons such as IP address location, VPN use and cell phone tower location. If you receive a prompt that you did not initiate, do not approve the prompt.
More information about changes to the Microsoft authenticator app is available online.
If you need assistance regarding this topic, please contact the UWM Help Desk.
