Hello
At Alphabyte IT we are committed to ensure that our clients are best placed to deal with current security threats. It is because of this that we strongly recommend that all users are setup for Multifactor Authentication (MFA).
WHAT IS MFA?
MFA adds a layer of protection to the sign-in process. When accessing accounts or apps, users provide additional identity verification, such as entering a code received by phone.
WHAT DOES THIS PROTECT AGAINST?
We are seeing a large amount of phishing emails, where an email is sent with a link which then asks the user to input their 365 credentials to a malicious website. These credentials can be then used to login to 365 and read / send emails and access files as the user in question. When MFA is enabled an extra authentication step (such as a text message with a code) is required to login which can protect against these situations. It is still important to stay vigilant when clicking on links and attachments from emails.
WILL I HAVE TO DO THIS EVERY TIME I LOGIN?
Microsoft will only require the extra authentication step when it notices a change in your login behaviour. This could be when you are logging in from a different computer or location.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
You will need to login to https://aka.ms/mfasetup and follow the instructions to enable MFA on your account (either with the authenticator app or via a text message).
WHEN WILL IT BE ENABLED?
MFA will be enabled in the next two weeks. If you have not registered before this date (using the link above) then you will not be able to sign into your 365 account or send receive emails.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
What is: Multifactor Authentication (microsoft.com) – Video
If you have any questions regarding the above please reply to this email or call us.