For security reasons, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required to all CPS users. When signing into a Microsoft product or Windows application, a prompt will appear to take the extra measure it is you, the user that's requesting to sign in. Approval with Microsoft Authenticator App, SMS text message, or email will be sent out to approve or enter in a set number of digits to allow sign-in.


Step 1.

Download the app from the app store. Search for Microsoft Authenticator.


Step 2.

Launch the app. Allow Notification permission if asked. Accept terms and conditions to continue onwards. Can skip any intro pop-ups to continue to the main screen.


Step 3. 

(Go to Step 3b if you are plan to pair using a computer; this method is preferred as many phones can fail to pair through authenticator app on the phone).

Press the + sign at the top corner, select add work or school account, and pick Sign-in. 



Step 4.

Add an account. Enter in your CPS email username and password. If the app asks to open to a web browser, do so. You will then enter in your credentials again. Follow the onscreen instructions. 


Step 5.

A screen like below will appear. Click Next. Two options will appear, look for the one that says Pair your account to the app by clicking this link. The account will then pair and be listed in the main screen. This is the last step if Sign-in was picked.


Step 3b.

Go to a browser on your computer and a Microsoft site like https://www.office.com and attempt to sign in. You will eventually be task to set up authentication. Follow the on-screen steps until you reach a QR code. Next, scan the QR code on your computer with your Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone (continuing from Step 3 above). Go back between the phone's Microsoft Authenticator app and the web browser where you got the QR code. Follow the on-screen prompt to complete the pairing.


(Do not scan the QR code below, it is only for instructional purpose and will not work.)


If any issues or questions arise, please reach out to helpdesk@cliffordpower.com for assistance.




If any issue or questions arise, here is more info on the authenticator app and setup.


Microsoft MFA Steps

  •  The one we use Companywide is called Microsoft Authenticator.    The app icon will be blue with a lock symbol on it. In the app store there are multiple different authenticators that look like the Microsoft Authenticator app
    1. Ways to find the real one. 
      • blue background with a white or blue lock inside that contains a person in it.
      • screen shots will include, “sign in without passwords” “sign in with your phones” “autofill passwords” “more security for all accounts” “connect to all of Microsoft.”
      • Will say Microsoft Corporation on it. I
      • Images to help Visualize A screenshot of a phone Description automatically generated 












Source: Microsoft Authenticator - Apps on Google Play


 When Signing into Outlook, One Drive, or Teams

  • A screenshot of a qr code Description automatically generatedThere will be a screen that states “start by getting the app”. Since we have already downloaded the app on our phones, which is what we did above.  we want to click next on this step. 
  • We will then have a “configure mobile app” page that displays a QR code. 

Source: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/add-your-work-or-school-account-to-the-microsoft-authenticator-app

 

    





    NOTE

  • If scanning the QR code does not work, double check to see if the right app was installed. There are many look a like’s to where it can be easy to pick the wrong one.


  • Wrong authenticator’s example:


  • After scanning the QR code, it will send you a number that you have to verify on your phone. This is the process of multi-Factor. It is an extra security step using two devices (Laptop & Phone) 
  • Once verified on your phone, we can go to step to by clicking next. 
  • Microsoft wants you to put your phone number in, to send a text message. This text message adds an extra layer of security because it will show you are in fact you. 
  • Either option can be picked, it is your preference.
    1. Phone Call
    2. Text message
  • After entering your phone number, you should get a call or text with a code.
  • Once receiving that code, you will input into the application. 
  • That’s it! Should be good to go, the only time you must set this up again is when you are on a different network and using our VPN.