Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

It is Fife College policy for staff and student accounts to authenticate your log on using Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) to access services such as Office 365 and MyDesktop when you are outside the College network.

You may already be using MFA for online shopping or banking – it’s a very common security step in place now, in order to better protect accounts from criminals who try to steal user accounts and passwords, and then use them for harmful or criminal activities.

Available MFA Methods
MethodDescriptionRequirements after setupUsage
Microsoft AuthenticatorDefault authenticator app suggested when setting up MFA.An Android or iOS device.
Internet access (for authorisation prompts).		Prompts for authorisation.
Can provide a one-time password.
Text messageAutomated text sent to your phone number.A device able to receive text messages.Provides a one-time password.
Add an MFA Method
Microsoft AuthenticatorText Message
  1. Download Microsoft Authenticator from your device’s app store.
  2. In a web browser (the device you are using to sign in is not the same device that you used to set up the authenticator. This could be your laptop, PC, or tablet.), login to the My Sign-ins website using your Fife College username in the format 0123456@fife.ac.uk and your password.
  3. If MFA is already set up on your account, provide authentication using an existing method.
  4. If you do not enter the account setup automatically, select +Add sign-in method > Authenticator app > Add
  5. In the Microsoft Authenticator app, select + > Add account > Work or school Account > Scan a QR code
  6. On the My Sign-ins website, select Next
  7. In the Microsoft Authenticator app, scan the displayed QR code.
  8. On the My Sign-ins website, select Next and you will be presented with a two-digit number.
  9. In the Microsoft Authenticator app, provide the test notification sent to the app with the two-digit number.
  1. In a web browser, login to the My Sign-ins website using your Fife College username in the format 0123456@fife.ac.uk and your password.
  2. If MFA is already set up on your account, provide authentication using an existing method.
  3. If you do not enter the account setup automatically, select +Add sign-in method > Phone > Add
  4. Provide the phone number to use.
  5. Select Text me a code, then Next
  6. Provide the 6 digit code sent to your device, then Next
Use an MFA Method
Microsoft AuthenticatorText Message
  1. Provide your username in the format 0123456@fife.ac.uk and your password and select sign in.
  2. After selecting sign in you will be presented with a two-digit number on your screen.
    MFA. Screenshot showing Microsoft authenticator app number matching example
  3. The Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone will ask you to enter the numbers shown on your computer screen into the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  4. Once you have entered the numbers, select Yes.
  5. After selecting Yes you will have approved your authentication request and be able to continue using your computer.
  1. Provide your username in the format 0123456@fife.ac.uk and you password.
  2. A text message will be sent to your nominated phone.
  3. Provide the 6 digit password provided in the text message.
Delete an MFA Method
How to delete an MFA Method
  1. In a web browser, login to the My Sign-ins website using your Fife College username in the format 0123456@fife.ac.uk and your password.
  2. Select the Delete option, next to the method you want to remove.

If you delete your default sign-in method, the next available method will automatically become your default method.

Set up more than one MFA method

Add multiple methods so you do not rely on the same device, phone connection or internet access

Contact Digital

Please contact us via digital@fife.ac.uk or 01592 223333 if you have any questions.
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