Overview
Why does Langara require 2FA?
Langara takes cybersecurity seriously. Two-factor authentication is a very effective way to protect your account, even if your password is lost or stolen. This security feature helps keep all Langara students, employees, and IT systems safe.
For a faster and more secure experience Langara highly recommends using the Microsoft Authenticator app for 2FA authentication.
TIP - If you are installing the Microsoft Authenticator app onto your phone please note that it is Free. When searching for it in the app store for your phone you may get multiple results. The top result is often not the genuine Microsoft Authenticator and one way you can tell if that's the case is if it costs money.
How does it work?
Two-factor authentication helps keep your information safe. The 2FA process asks you to confirm your log in using your mobile phone. By combining something you know (your password) with something you have (your phone), 2FA ensures that it’s really you logging in.
This article will guide you through the steps to install Microsoft Authenticator Application on your mobile phone and set it up to 2FA to Langara services.
Preparation Checklist
- A Smartphone with Internet access
- Access to a desktop computer/laptop with Internet access
TIP - If you set up the Microsoft Authenticator app as your SSPR (Self Service Password Reset) method when you activated your account, then you are good to go! You don't need to do anything and you are ready for 2FA.
Solution - You Have A 2nd Device (Laptop, Tablet, PC)
- On your phone, download Microsoft Authenticator App from App Store or Google Play. Please note that this is a FREE app.
- Switch to your computer/laptop for the following steps (It is vital that you do this step first - do not skip to step 3)
- Open a web browser such as Chrome, Edge or Safari.
- Go to https://aka.ms/proofup.
- You will see a sign in screen (example below). Login with your email address
- e.g. jsmith00@langara.ca.
- Click “Next” on the screen when prompted for more information.
- Select Receive notifications for verification
- Then click Set up
- A QR barcode code will appear and the following steps will involve your smartphone.
- Switch to your phone for the following steps.
CAUTION - Allow prompt requesting to access your phone camera for scanning the barcode
- On your phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator App
- In the app, add your account by tapping the + at the top
- Choose Other account.
(If you choose Work or school account you will need to click on Scan QR code to trigger the QR code scanner - do NOT click Sign in)
- A QR code scanner will be enabled. Using your phone, capture the QR code that appeared on your desktop screen in step 2-7.
- After scanning the QR code click the Got it button on your phone and you will see your Langara account in the Microsoft Authenticator app
- Switch back to your web browser on your computer/laptop
- Wait for the the app to finish configuring. When complete, the message below will appear and the Set up button will be greyed out.
- Click Next and the following screen will appear
- You will now get a prompt on your phone asking you to authenticate. Click Approve.
- Go back to your desktop/laptop and Click Done. You are now setup with 2 Factor Authentication!
Solution - You Only Have A Mobile Phone
NOTE - This example was performed on an Android phone. Your screens may vary.
- On your phone, download Microsoft Authenticator App from App Store or Google Play. Please note that this is a FREE app.
- On your phone, open a browser and navigate to https://aka.ms/proofup
- Sign in with your langara email account
- On the More information required screen click Next
- This will bring you to a new screen prompting you to install Microsoft Authenticator. Since you already did this in step 1 above you can just click Next.
- This brings you to the setup screen. Click Pair you account to the app by clicking this link.
- Wait while the account is activating.
- This screen will appear when the account has been added successfully.
- Swtich back to the browser to continue with the setup.
- Once back on the keep your account secure page click Next
- The Authenticator will then initialize and run you through a try out. It will display a 2 digit number, you will need that for the next step
- After a moment a prompt will appear at the top of your phone asking you to Approve sign-in. Click on it.
- The Authenticator app will open a window called Are you trying to sign in? Enter the 2-digit number here and click Yes or Done.
- Click Next on the Notification approved screen.
- Success! You've set up Microsoft Authenticator as your 2FA method. Click Done.
- You may see this screen next and you can choose Yes or No as you desire. If you don't want to keep seeing this screen check the Don't show this again checkbox.
- The final screen you see will just be a Security info screen showing you your newly setup sign-in method. You can close this window and you are done!