The College will incorporate Microsoft (MS) Authenticator as a two-factor authentication solution to improve the College's information security posture. Alumni of the College will use two-factor authentication to access your email and other College services. All alumni* of the College (1912 through Spring 2025) with a CSS account must be enrolled into MS Authenticator, and MFA will be required.
To continue using your alumni account, enrollment in Microsoft Authenticator for two-factor authentication is required. Please complete enrollment by the deadline provided in your alumni communications. Accounts not enrolled by that date will be suspended and permanently unrecoverable.
*Current, active employees or students of the College who are also alumni do not need to enroll into MS Authenticator. Active employees and current students will continue to use Duo MFA (must be an active employee or current student to view this link).
What is MS Authenticator?
Microsoft (MS) Authenticator is an application that provides a cloud-based software service that utilizes two-factor authentication to ensure secure access to services and data.
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to the login process. In addition to entering your password, you must provide a second piece of information or use a physical device to verify your identity. This additional step helps safeguard accounts from remote attacks that attempt to use stolen usernames and passwords.
Why do we need two-factor authentication?
Login credentials are more valuable than ever and are increasingly easy to compromise. Over 90% of breaches today involve compromised usernames and passwords.
Two-factor authentication enhances the security of your account by using a secondary device to verify your identity. This prevents anyone but you from accessing your account, even if they know your password.
How will MS Authenticator change my login experience?
When logging in to an application protected by MS Authenticator, you will still enter your CSS username and password. After you input your login information, MS Authenticator requires you to complete a second-factor authentication method.
Think of MS Authenticator as a layer of security added to your pre-existing login method. You will still need to reset your password per our Password Policy.
How do I Enroll?
To enroll into MS Authenticator, you will need two devices: your phone, and a computer or tablet.
- From your computer or tablet, open an incognito tab in Chrome and login at email.css.edu with your CSS credentials.
- Upon login, you will be prompted to enroll into Microsoft Authenticator.
- Proceed through the prompts on your computer until presented with a QR code.
- On your phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Select "+"
- Select "Work or School Account"
- Select "Scan a QR Code"
- Scan the code right off your computer or tablet's screen.
- Confirm your enrollment at (login with your CSS account): https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info
- You can double-check by logging-in with a new Incognito or Private browser window - you should be prompted to approve the login on the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
- If you have forgotten your password or experience difficulties signing in, you can reset your password at css.edu/forgotpassword
How can I confirm my enrollment?
Login at https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info with your CSS account to view or change your Microsoft Authenticator devices.