Adding Alternate Authentication Method(s)

Be aware that at the end of the semester if you plan to travel, especially outside the US, your current authentication method may not be available to you. Rather than discovering this after the fact, and requiring the IT Help Desk to clear your account’s MFA settings, only to have them cleared again when you return to the US, adding an additional authentication method while account access is available will permit uninterrupted access while you travel.

To add an alternative authentication method, do the following:

1. Visit http://portal.office.com
2. Sign in using SEMO email address and password
3. Click on profile picture or initials in upper right corner
4. Select View Account
5. Under Security info click UPDATE INFO >
6. You may be prompted to authenticate through MFA
7. Once this has been done, current “sign-in method(s)” will be displayed.
8. Click + Add sign-in method
9. Using the drop-down menu Choose a (alternate) method of authenticating your account

For example, if you currently use a phone for text or voice call that will not work when you’re traveling, perhaps select an Alternate phone (if known) that will be available or use Authenticator app. The Authenticator app can be used on a mobile device) phone or tablet that is connected to the Internet while you’re traveling.

NOTE: When you setup an alternative method, it will require you to verify that method during setup.

Once alternate method(s) is setup, when prompted in the future all methods will be available whenever multi-factor authentication is required.  You may need to select "Try a different option".  

If you have questions about performing these steps, contact the IT Help Desk at 573.651.4357 or helpdesk@semo.edu.