Cougar Mail - Turning on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Overview

Columbia College will now require all students and employees that utilize a Cougar Mail address through gmail.com to set up 2-Factor Verification to ensure that our students and employees are protected with an additional layer of security, especially in the case where someone's password becomes stolen or compromised.

Depending on the method you choose to set up, your sign in will remain similar to how it worked previously, you will input your email address and password, then you will be asked to use your 2-Step Verification method, such as entering a texted code, or selecting "Yes" on a Google Sign in Prompt, or inputting your Passkey.

You can update your second steps and sign-in options any time in your settings.

 

NOTE: When setting up Two-Factor Authentication for your Cougar Mail account you will have to have access to either the Gmail APP or on a computer or PC be able to go to Gmail.com

Meaning, that you can NOT update your Two-Factor Authentication for Cougar Mail in the iOS (Apple) Mail app

 

Setting Up 2-Step Verification

  1. Log into your Cougar Mail account using your Cougar Mail address (username@cougars.ccis.edu) and your Columbia College Password.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
     
  2. Select Security.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
     
  3. Under “How you sign in to Google,” Select 2-Step Verification.
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  4. Follow the on-screen steps.
    1. You'll be prompted to sign in with your password.
    2. Below is the page that will appear once signed into the Security page.
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    3. Under "Second Steps" you will choose at least one of the options for 2-Step Verification set up.
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Google Prompt

If you choose to input a Google Prompts as as your 2-Step Verification method you will be prompted with this page for set up:

Select "Manage Devices" to set up a mobile device for Google Prompts 

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You can receive Google prompts as push notifications on:

  • Android phones that are signed in to your Google Account.
  • iPhones with the Gmail app, Google Photos app, YouTube app, or the Google app, signed in to your Cougar Mail account.
     

Once set up, when you sign into your Cougar Mail account you will input your email address and password and then this page will appear on the device you are signing onto.

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Then on your mobile device you will be prompted to select either "No, don't allow" or "Yes, it's me."

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)-Example Image From Google-

If you do NOT recognize the device, location, or time listed, notate what is written and select "No, it's not me" and contact the Technology Solutions Center at Columbia College for password reset and other steps to ensure your account is secure. 

 

 

Google Authenticator App

Important: Never share your verification codes with anyone, including to people over the phone. Columbia College and Google will NEVER ask you to tell an agent a code while on the phone.

If you choose to input Authenticator as as your 2-Step Verification method you will need to install the Google Authenticator onto your Android or iPhone, or use a pre-existing authenticator app on your mobile device.


Select "+ Set up Authenticator." 

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Using your mobile device's camera, scan the QR code (this would appear in the middle of your screen). Then select the authenticator you'd like to use (Google Authenticator, etc).

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Once you type in the 6-digit code from your authenticator app, select "Verify" to finish setting up the Authenticator as your 2-Factor Verification method.

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Phone Number

Important: Never share your verification codes with anyone, including to people over the phone. Columbia College and Google will NEVER ask you to tell an agent a code while on the phone.
 

To set up a Phone Number as your 2-Factor Authentication method, select "+ Add a backup 2-Step Verification phone."

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Add your phone number, select "Next" and finish the verification process to add the phone number as a method.

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You can select the 'trash can' image next to a phone number to remove it from your account, ensure you add a new up-to-date number to replace a deleted number.

 

Backup Codes

Important: Never share your verification codes with anyone, including to people over the phone. Columbia College and Google will NEVER ask you to tell an agent a code while on the phone.

To utilize a predetermined list of Backup Codes as your 2-Factor Authentication method, select "+ Get Backup Codes." 

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This will generate the page below, 10 Backup Codes will be listed in the blank space, you can print or download this list to use when needing to use 2-Factor to access your Cougar Mail account.

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Multiple Verification Methods

You can set up other verification methods in case you:

  • Want increased protection against phishing or other attacks.
  • Can’t get Google prompts for various reasons.
  • Lose your phone and no longer can receive texts or Google prompts.

     

Need Further Assistance?

If you have any difficulty with setting up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your Cougar Mail account please submit a ticket here: 

Students: https://help.ccis.edu/TDClient/117/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=1084

Staff and Faculty: https://help.ccis.edu/TDClient/117/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=3985

Or you can call the Technology Solutions Help Desk at 573-875-4357 for further assistance. 

 

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