Starting Oct. 28, students will begin to use multifactor authentication to access Office 365, including Microsoft Outlook and OneDrive. On Nov. 12, multifactor authentication will become mandatory upon logging into Office 365.

What is MFA?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) refers to an additional layer of security added to the login process. To keep your account safe, you will use your password and your personal device or smartphone to confirm your identity.

Here are some common situations in which MFA is used:

• When using an ATM, you need your bank card and your PIN
• When paying for gas with a credit card, you need to enter your ZIP code
• When logging into your bank account online, you may be prompted to enter a security code sent via text message

MFA at UWM
Faculty and staff were able to use MFA for the first time in the fall of 2019, and it has provided an extra level of protection for their online information, as well as UWM’s. University IT Services is currently in the process of extending MFA to students at UWM to enhance the university’s cybersecurity. Starting Oct. 28, students will begin to use MFA to access Office 365, including Microsoft Outlook and OneDrive.

There will be a two-week window for students to register for MFA. On Nov. 12, MFA will become mandatory upon logging into Office 365. Please note: In this initial phase of the MFA implementation for students, the MFA login requirement will be limited to Office 365. Students will not be prompted to authenticate on other platforms such as PAWS and Canvas at this time.

If a student feels they do not have the technology needed to successfully enroll, they can contact the UWM Help Desk, which will work directly with the student on a solution.

For more information, visit campus IT’s MFA webpage.