Step-by-Step Guide Turning on two-factor authentication

Step-by-Step GuideTurning on two-factorauthentication Microsoft accounts

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The material in this guide is of a general nature and should not be regarded as legal advice or relied on for assistance in any particular circumstance or emergency situation. In any important matter, you should seek appropriate independent professional advice in relation to your own circumstances.

The Commonwealth accepts no responsibility or liability for any damage, loss or expense incurred as a result of the reliance on information contained in this guide.

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© Commonwealth of Australia 2020

With the exception of the Coat of Arms and where otherwise stated, all material presented in this publication is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (www.creativecommons.org/licenses).

For the avoidance of doubt, this means this licence only applies to material as set out in this document.

Disclaimer

The material in this guide is of a general nature and should not be regarded as legal advice or relied on for assistance in any particular circumstance or emergency situation. In any important matter, you should seek appropriate independent professional advice in relation to your own circumstances.

The Commonwealth accepts no responsibility or liability for any damage, loss or expense incurred as a result of the reliance on information contained in this guide.

Copyright

© Commonwealth of Australia 2017

With the exception of the Coat of Arms and where otherwise stated, all material presented in this publication is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (www.creativecommons.org/licenses).

For the avoidance of doubt, this means this licence only applies to material as set out in this document.

The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website as is the full legal code for the CC BY 4.0 licence (www.creativecommons.org/licenses).

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The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website as is the full legal code for the CC BY 4.0 licence

(www.creativecommons.org/licenses).

Use of the Coat of Arms

The terms under which the Coat of Arms can be used are detailed on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website

(www.pmc.gov.au/government/commonwealth-coat-arms).

2 Turning on two-factor authentication | Microsoft accounts

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Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Two-factor authentication 5

Turning on two-factor authentication 6

for Microsoft accounts on your computer

Third party two-factor authentication apps 10


Introduction

This step-by-step guide shows you how to turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) on your desktop computer for Microsoft accounts.

Your Microsoft account lets you manage Outlook, Office, Skype, One Drive, Xbox Live, Bing, Microsoft Store, Windows and MSN all in one place.

Other step-by-step guides include

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For more cyber security advice, visit cyber.gov.au

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Turning on two-factorauthentication Gmail

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Step-by-Step Guide


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Step-by-Step Guide


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Two-factor authentication

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a process that typically requires a combination of something a user knows (pin, secret question) and something a user has (cards, fingerprint) in order to access a program or operating system.

Why is it important to turn it on?

Using 2FA to access your favourite programs provides enhanced security to traditional usernames and passwords. The multiple layers of authentication increase confidence that

the user requesting access is actually who they claim to be.

Where do I turn it on?

Where to turn on 2FA within a program depends on each program. However, the steps are universally simple and somewhat similar. Icons and language may differ slightly, depending on the program, whether you’re using Mac or Microsoft, and if you’re on a

mobile device or a desktop.


Turning on 2FA for Microsoft accounts on your computerOnce you turn on 2FA for your Microsoft account, you’ll get a security code sent to your email, phone or authenticator app every time you sign into an unknown device. When it is turned off, you will get notifications periodically or when there might be a risk to your account’s security.

1. Sign in to your Microsoft or Outlook account. You can sign in or create an account by visiting www.account.microsoft.com/account

2. Click on your profile in the top right corner, and then click My Microsoft Account

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Turning on 2FA for Microsoft accounts on your computer CONT...

3. Scroll down to Update your security info, select Update. If you haven’t visited the security page recently, you may be asked to log in again

4. In the banner to the right of the security heading choose two-step verification to turn on



5. Click on Set up two-step verification

6. Follow the on-screen steps and click Next

7. You will be asked if you would like to set up an authenticator app. Select your preferred app and follow the on-screen instructions to install. One complete click Next

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8. If you use apps or devices that do not accept security codes you may need to set up an app password. If this is the case follow the on-screen instructions or click Next

9. Click Finish


Third party 2FA apps

If you would like to use a third party 2FA app, there are many available. Most are free of charge and effective with Yahoo!. Do your research and find a solution that’s right for you.

Below are some examples of 2FA apps currently available:

Google Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator

LastPass Authenticator

Authy

For more information on 2FA and multi-factor authentication, refer to the Small Business Cyber Security Guide, available at cyber.gov.au

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Notes

For more information, or to report a cyber security incident, contact us

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call 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371)

Documents

Step-by-Step Guide Turning on two-factor authentication