Editor-in-Chief Barbara Gandica Martinez
All Dallas College accounts now require multifactor authentication to log in as of May 13. These include eCampus, Self-Service, and the Office 365 apps.
If students didn’t pre-enroll before May 13, they will now be shown a setup screen when trying to log in to a Dallas College-only service. Multifactor authentication, also known as MFA, adds a protection layer to students’ accounts.
According to a notice sent by the Richland Campus administration, it “confirms a user’s identity in multiple ways to ensure your information stays safe.”
A smartphone is not required since MFA can be adapted to other devices such as land- line phones, cellphones or tablets.
Only one multifactor authentication is needed, but Dallas College recommends setting up more than one method for extra security and backup if your primary device doesn’t work.
There are three methods to set up multifactor authentication: phone calls, text or the Microsoft Authentication app. When setting up MFA, students will choose a primary method, but this can be updated at any time.
According to the Dallas College Frequently Asked Question website, it is recommended to use the app as it “provides the most options and the best user experience.”
The app can be downloaded on the Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for IOS devices. The app will give students a verification code or a mobile notification when signing in.
Alternatively, students can set up MFA through phone calls. The phone call method can be used on any phone, including landlines. When signing in, students will get a phone call that will ask to verify that they are the ones signing in. Dallas College recommends using a mobile phone since it will be needed any time a student tries to log in. Likewise, if students have access to a mobile phone, they can set up text messages as the authentication method.
They will be sent a six-digit code to input into the sign-in screens.
For more information, including a video tutorial on setting up MFA, visit the Dallas College website on multifactor authentication at: https://www.dallascollege.edu/resources/ online-services/mfa/pages/default.aspx
