The scope of some federal legislation requiring Multi-Factor Authentication has recently been expanded for higher education institutions to include student accounts. As a result, on May 22nd we will be making MFA a mandatory requirement on your EAC student account at Microsoft 365. This is the account that is used to access Gila Hank Online, Canvas, Office 365, Akademos, etc. Leading up to it becoming mandatory, we will be employing what Microsoft calls "The Nudge" as a reminder for our students to set up MFA on their accounts sooner rather than later. Hopefully, this will help work out any issues students may have before the deadline making it mandatory. To further ease the path to student account MFA and boost awareness of it, we will be communicating with students via their MonsterMail accounts and a traditional marketing campaign as well as adding supporting information here.
Soon, when you log into your Gila Hank account, you will be prompted to set up your MFA before it becomes manatory. Here are instructions on what you can expect with this prompt and directions to follow:
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource. Examples of multi-factor would be the use of password plus a one-time code that is texted to your personal device.
EAC will be implementing MFA in the near future for students when accessing Gila Hank Online, Microsoft 365, Canvas, and other resources. This is required by law, but it is also just a good idea to better protect your information.
The following options are available in order of recommendation and ease of use:
· Microsoft Authenticator app (Android/iOS)
· Text
· Call
· Other authenticator/OTP apps (such as LastPass, Google, etc.)
· Hardware OTP Token (Please contact ITS for information)
EAC uses your Microsoft 365 account as the source for a Single Sign On experience across the different online resources and systems. As such, you only need to add multi-factor authentication methods to it to be protected across all those systems.
Microsoft 365 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) helps safeguard access to data and applications while maintaining simplicity for users. It provides additional security by requiring a second form of authentication and delivers strong authentication via a range of easy to use authentication methods.
Follow these instructions to add or modify your current MFA Methods: EAC – Multi-Factor Authentication Instructions
If you do not have a compatible device and would like one, assistance is available through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a U.S. government program designed to help pay for internet service and devices. For more information or to apply please visit: Home - ACP - Universal Service Administrative Company (affordableconnectivity.gov)
ITS can provide a Hardware OTP Token (Please contact ITS for information)
