For the purpose of verification, this page reproduces an email that UIS is sending to all staff and students about the introduction of multi-factor authentication to University Microsoft accounts.
Subject line: Multi-factor authentication (MFA): increased security on your University Microsoft account
Dear [Name],
Firstly, please be assured that this is a genuine communication from University Information Services (UIS). You can verify this by viewing this email on UIS’s website at https://help.uis.cam.ac.uk/mfa-first-email [this page].
UIS is adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) to all staff and student University Microsoft accounts as a security measure.
Introducing MFA
MFA adds an extra layer of security to the process of logging in to a system by prompting you to provide a second form of identification – for example, entering a code sent to your mobile phone.
This means if someone gets hold of your Raven password, they still won’t be able to get into your University email account or other sensitive data stored in Microsoft applications because they won’t have your phone.
When this will happen
UIS will activate MFA on your University Microsoft account after 6pm on [Date].
If you would like to activate MFA on your account before or after this date, please let us know using this form.
What you will need to do
You’ll need to set up your second factor for authentication. You can do this before or after MFA is activated on your account.
If you set up your second factor before your MFA is activated, you’ll avoid a possible delay in being able to access your account.
If you wait until after your MFA is activated, you’ll be required to set up your second factor when you try to log in to a Microsoft Office 365 application (such as Outlook or Teams).
Once set up, you’ll need to use your second factor when you:
• log in using a new device
• change your password
• add your University email account to a new email application.
What to use as a second factor
UIS recommends using the Microsoft Authenticator app on a mobile phone as your second factor because users in other institutions have found it the easiest and most reliable. You can also use SMS messages or voice calls to a mobile phone or landline.
If you’re unable to use a mobile phone for this purpose, please contact mfa.support@uis.cam.ac.uk to arrange a suitable alternative.
If you have accessibility requirements
If you would like us to contact you to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require for accessibility, please let us know using this form.
Find out more
Find guidance on MFA, authentication methods and setting up your email apps at https://help.uis.cam.ac.uk/mfa.
If you have any questions, please contact mfa.support@uis.cam.ac.uk.
Best wishes,
Communications Group
University Information Services
Roger Needham Building, CB3 0RB