Overview
Columbia College requires Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for employees to gain secure access to various applications and resources. MFA enables the use of an additional verification method alongside your password to protect your account and the college if your credentials are ever compromised. This article guides you through registering your MFA device and authenticating your logins.
Applies to: Staff Faculty Students
Important Note for Users & Students
MFA Requirement: MFA is required for all active employees (Faculty and Staff). MFA is currently optional for students; however, students are highly encouraged to opt-in and configure MFA to add an extra layer of protection to their accounts.
Upcoming Microsoft Policy Change: Beginning February 2027, Microsoft will discontinue all SMS/Phone call verification options. Moving forward, the Microsoft Authenticator App or Passkeys will be required for MFA authentication.
Part 1
MFA Device Registration Instructions
1 Sign in to Microsoft MFA Device Registration
From your computer, navigate to Microsoft's MFA Device Registration portal:
●Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup.
●Sign in with your Columbia College account using your username@ccis.edu email address and password.
Note: Adjunct instructors and student workers should also sign in with username@ccis.edu, not CougarMail.
2 Select Verification Method
Configure your primary verification method.
●On the Step 1 setup screen, select Mobile app from the dropdown list.
●Select Receive notifications for verification (recommended).
●Click Set up to display the QR configuration code on your screen.
3 Scan the QR Code on Your Mobile Device
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone to link your account (see this guide for detailed steps on adding an account).
●In the app, choose Add account > Work or school account > Scan QR code.
●Scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
●Once scanned and recognized, click Next on your computer.
4 Verify the Authenticator Notification
Test and confirm that your mobile app receives push verification prompts.
●On Step 2, a test approval prompt will be sent to your phone.
●Tap Approve on the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
●Upon successful verification, click Next on your computer.
5 Provide a Backup Phone Number & Finish
Add a secondary contact method as a backup option.
●On Step 3, enter a secondary phone number to use if you ever lose access to your authenticator app.
●Click Done. Your MFA device registration is now complete!
Video Walkthrough: Microsoft 365 MFA Setup
Part 2
How It Works: Logging In with MFA
When you visit any Columbia College system, portal, or resource protected by MFA:
1. Enter Your Credentials: Log in with your username@ccis.edu email address and password.
2. Prompt on Screen: Your browser will prompt you to approve the sign-in request sent to your registered MFA app.
3. Approve in App: Open the notification on your phone and tap Approve. Once approved, your browser will grant access to the system.
Support & Assistance
Get Help
Need assistance setting up or using Multi-Factor Authentication?