Table of Contents
Why has IT implemented Multi-factor Authentication?
The Department of Information Technology is responsible for the information security processes that protect College information and online services. With account compromises on the rise, we have implemented Multi-factor Authentication to protect information and mitigate account compromises from stolen passwords, typically from phishing attacks.
MFA uses your password plus another verification method to authenticate your log in, using technology similar to a bank, healthcare provider or online retailers. MFA will stop malicious actors from gaining access to your account using a stolen password. Additionally, it will stop account lock outs from hackers using brute force to attempt to guess your password. and account hacks.
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Which method of verification does IT recommend?
The Microsoft Authenticator app is the only supported verification method.
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I replaced my smartphone. How do I register my new smartphone for MFA?
When replacing your smartphone, make sure to set up the Authenticator app on your new phone before disposing of it or wiping it.
If you already erased or disposed of your old smartphone before setting up the Authenticator app on your new phone, you will need to contact the Service Desk and IT staff can assist you.
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What should I do if I receive a verification prompt that I didn’t expect or initiate?
There may be times where you receive a notification that you didn’t expect. If you are not actively logging into your Stonehill account, you can safely ignore or delete this verification. It is possible that a malicious actor has guessed your password, only to be prompted with an additional verification that they won’t have access to. Because of this, IT strongly recommends in these cases that you change your password and contact the Service Desk.
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What Mail Clients will work with MFA?
The Department of Information Technology recommends using the Microsoft Outlook App for accessing your Stonehill email and calendar on mobile devices. This is available for both iOS and Android devices.
On your computer, you can use the Microsoft Outlook application, or Microsoft 365 online.
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What Mail Clients do not work with MFA?
With the increased security that MFA brings, IT recommends using the Microsoft Outlook App, Outlook on your computer, or Outlook on the web because they fully support the modern authentication methods MFA brings. Many applications will no longer work with MFA, including:
- Mail on Android Devices
- Gmail or other webmail using POP, IMAP, SMTP and Active Sync
- Thunderbird
- Seamonkey
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Will iOS Mail Work with MFA?
We offer limited support for accessing Office 365 services with the built-in iOS Mail, Calendar and Contact apps. We have tested Multi-factor Authentication on those apps, but it requires you to remove and reconnect your existing connection to set it up. Please see our iOS Knowledge Base article on this subject. Also note that when using the iOS built-in apps, you may need to be manually reauthenticated every 60 days to maintain the connection.
The Microsoft Outlook App is supported and is the most reliable way to access your Office 365 Stonehill account.
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I plan to study or travel abroad. Will MFA work?
Yes, at minimum, you need a smartphone with the Authenticator app configured on it to be connected to the Internet for Microsoft Authenticator codes to be used.
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