From Thursday 23 February, the University will add new security features on the Microsoft Authenticator app, which will change the way you approve multi-factor authentication (MFA) requests.
Microsoft has developed the features due to the increase of “MFA fatigue”, where a cyber-criminal will use stolen account details and repeatedly attempt to log into the app. Applying these features will improve security for organisations and individuals who currently use the app as part of their multi-factor authentication (MFA) set up.
What are the new features?
The security features include number matching, application and location details. Information on all three features has been provided on this SharePoint page.
Who will be impacted?
This will impact all individuals who currently use the Microsoft Authenticator app as one of their MFA methods and use the “push notification” option. This option is the pop-up alert on your mobile device asking you to approve or decline an MFA request.
What do I need to do?
You don’t need to do anything as the changes will be applied automatically; however, we strongly recommend visiting “Approving the MFA request in the Microsoft Authenticator app” in this knowledge base article so you are aware of the new features.
Where can I find more information?
Please visit the “Microsoft Authenticator app security features” SharePoint page or follow this knowledge base article which provides frequently asked questions (FAQs) on MFA.
If you require further support, please contact ServiceLine.
Please note, this has been initiated by Microsoft, who will be applying some features to the app globally from Monday 27 February; therefore, these changes will be introduced before this date.
