Office 365 is one of the most popular productivity suites in the world, offering a range of features that help businesses and individuals manage their work efficiently. However, as more people use Office 365 for their day-to-day tasks, the risk of cyber attacks and unauthorized access increases. This is where two-factor authentication (2FA) comes in.
Two-factor authentication is an added layer of security that requires users to provide two types of authentication to access their account, typically a password and a unique code sent to a mobile device. One popular app that can be used for this is Google Authenticator.
Here’s how to set up Google Authenticator for Office 365 and secure your account.
1.Visit https://login.microsoftonline.com and login with your company email address and current Office 365 password.
2.After your organization enables two-factor verification on your Office 365 account, you’ll get a prompt telling you to provide more information to help keep your account secure. Click Next.
3.From the Additional security verification page, select “Use verification code” then click Set up.
4.On the Configure mobile app page, click on “Configure app without notifications”.
a) Download and install the Google Authenticator App for your phone type (i.e. iOS or Android). Do a search for “Google Authenticator App” in either the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android).
b) Once the app is installed, run it and click on the Red + Button on the bottom right of the app and select Scan a barcode.
c) Scan the QR code image on your screen using your mobile phone or use the secret key if you are unable to scan the image.
d) If the app displays a six-digit code on your mobile phone, click on Next.
5.Back in the Additional security verification page, click on Next.
6.You will be prompted to enter a verification code from the mobile app. Enter the 6-digit code and click Verify.
7.Once verified you will be provided an App password. Make a note of the password and click Done.
8.Your Office 365 account is now secured using MFA. You may be prompted to re-sign into your Office 365 apps on your mobile device. Sign in as per normal however you will now receive a prompt to enter a 6-digit code prior to signing in.
Benefits of using Google Authenticator for Office 365
Using Google Authenticator for Office 365 offers several benefits, including:
- Enhanced security: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Office 365 account, making it harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your data.
- Convenience: Google Authenticator is a simple and convenient way to secure your account. The app generates unique codes every 30 seconds, so you don’t have to worry about remembering multiple passwords.
- Cost-effective: Google Authenticator is a free app, making it a cost-effective solution for securing your Office 365 account.
In conclusion, using Google Authenticator for Office 365 is a simple and effective way to enhance the security of your account. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily set up 2FA and protect your data from cyber threats.
