Multi-Factor Authentication Protect your NWTC account from unwanted access

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Account security is a top priority at NWTC. We have implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA) to provide an additional layer of security that makes it harder for cybercriminals to log in to your account.

All students and staff must enroll in MFA to access NWTC systems with sensitive information. With MFA, you will use something you know (your password) with something you have (your phone or security key) to confirm your identity when signing in. If a cybercriminal guesses or steals your password, MFA will prevent their sign-in as they do not have access to a device you have (like your phone).

Multi-factor authentication: Something you know + Something you have = Access Granted

How to set up MFA

For assistance with setting up multi-factor authentication contact the NWTC Student Help Desk.

There are multiple MFA methods available for students and employees:

  1. When logging in to your NWTC Microsoft account you will see the following prompt to enroll in Microsoft MFA:
    Let's keep your account secure
  2. Click Next and be prompted to provide an additional security method.
  3. Click the link in the lower left corner of the screen: I want to set up a different method.
    Keep your account secure window with I want to set up  different method selected.
  4. In the popup box select Phone.
    Choose a different method box with "phone" selected
  5. Enter your phone number without dashes (example: 920123456789).
    Phone window with number entered without dashes.
  6. Select the radio button for Receive a code (SMS text message) or Call me (phone call).
  7. Click Next.
  8. For "Call Me" : You will receive a phone call from Microsoft, tap the # key to confirm the sign in.  For "Receive a code": You will be sent a 6-digit code from Microsoft to your phone as a text message. Enter the 6-digit code into the box.Keep your account secure window shown with 6 digit code entered
  9. Click Next.
  10. Your phone will be registered. Click Next.
    Keep your account secure dialog box with the "Verification complete" message.
  11. Click Done.
    Keep your account secure window with final success message.

This completes your enrollment of MFA! You are encouraged to enroll multiple devices in MFA. Learn how to add additional methods or change security information.

Frequently Asked Questions

No; any telephone, Microsoft supported security key, or smart device will work. Students can have a text message sent to their phone. Both staff and students can receive phone calls as a verification. (However, with smart devices, you will get the quickest, simplest experience by enrolling with the Microsoft Authenticator app!) If you are a student who is also a staff member SMS text message will not be a usable MFA method while you are employed by NWTC.  

Yes, we encourage you to enroll more than one device so you have a backup if your main device is lost or unavailable. To add additional devices, visit your security options page.

Check out these common troubleshooting tips from Microsoft. Call the NWTC Help Desk for assistance. Depending on your circumstance, the Help Desk can either generate a temporary access pass or assist you in configuring another device for MFA.

Yes, all NWTC students and employees will be required to enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) to provide an additional layer of security for their NWTC account. MFA is an essential element of cybersecurity, and it will aid in protecting everyone’s online information at NWTC. If you do not have the technology to enroll in MFA, reach out to the NWTC Help Desk for support.

By using the Microsoft Authenticator app, you will be able to use a 6-digit, one-time password code for your account to log in.

Microsoft Authenticator app with passcode

If you fail to log in to an MFA protected application more than 10 times without completing the required MFA verification, your account will be temporarily locked out. You may try again to log in after 10-15 minutes or contact the Help Desk for assistance.

Here are some common ways MFA is used every day:

  • When using an ATM, you need your debit card (something you have) and your PIN number (something you know).
  • When paying for gas with a credit card (something you have) you need to enter your zip code (something you know).
  • When logging into your bank account online, you enter your password (something you know), and you are prompted to enter a security code sent to your device via text message or email (something you have).

Important things to remember when using MFA:

  • If your second factor device (e.g., your phone or security key) is lost or stolen, report it to the NWTC Help Desk immediately. This helps prevents unauthorized access to your account, and steps can be taken to help you regain access to your account while your second factor device is being replaced.
  • Never approve unexpected or suspicious sign-in notifications that you have not performed. If you receive sign-in attempts to your account that you are not performing, reset your password immediately and report the notifications to the NWTC Help Desk.
  • Use a screen lock on your phone in case it is lost or stolen. This will help to prevent someone from accessing your MFA device.

Contact Tech Support

Student Help Desk:

Contact the NWTC Student Help Desk for 24/7 assistance.

Staff Help Desk:

Contact the NWTC Staff Help Desk at 920- 498-6800 for assistance, or email help.desk@nwtc.edu to open a ticket in our Staff Help Desk system.

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