How to set up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) with your phone (phone call or text message).

The School is rolling out Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all LSE users (staff and students) as an extra layer of security, to help protect accounts from being exploited by hackers.

This means that when you log into Microsoft 365 – for instance your Outlook email – you will be required not only to log in with your username and password, but also with an additional method of authentication.

On this page you will be shown step by step how to set up MFA.

Before you start

1. Print out this page AND print out the instructions from the LSE's The Microsoft Authenticator App - Set Up and Use page, so you have these to hand.
2. Ensure you have a backup, non-LSE email, e.g. gmail or yahoo where the LSE can send you a confirmation message and MFA instructions, in case you temporarily lose your connection to your LSE email.
3. Read ALL the instructions below carefully first.
4. Ensure you have your computer AND your phone to hand.

Setting up MFA

1. Before you apply for MFA, log out of any email accounts that you access through your web browser.
2. On your computer open your browser and go to https://info.lse.ac.uk/staff/divisions/dts/help/guides-faqs/mfa/The-Microsoft-Authenticator-App-Set-Up-and-Use
3. On the page, go to Step 2, which will begin "On your computer screen, click here to enable MFA...." Click on the link to open the form.

   

4. NOTE: If this is the first time you have used a browser to log into your LSE account, you will be prompted for your LSE email address and password.
5. The LSE Multi-factor Authentication form will open:
   • Check "Enable MFA".
   • A second text box will appear in the form. Under "(Optional) Alternative email address", type your back up email address e.g. your gmail, yahoo or hotmail email.

     This is useful because if you are locked out of your LSE email account during the MFA set up process you can access instructions from your backup email.

   • Check "Send me an email receipt of my responses."

   

6. Make a note of the time you have done this. Then click Submit.
7. You will receive a first email acknowledging your form submission. Wait for a second email confirming your MFA request has been processed, which can take 10 minutes to be sent.

   Important: If you submitted an alternative email address on your form (e.g. gmail), the confirmation message may be sent there rather than to your LSE account.

   

   In our next steps we will download the set up your phone as your default method of verification..

8. Once you have received your email confirming your MFA request has been processed open Outlook on your computer OR go to Microsoft 365 on your browser.
9. You may be prompted to sign in with your LSE email address OR see a message for more information. Enter your LSE email address where prompted, and click Next. Continue to enter your LSE password when asked, and click Sign In.

   

10. You will see a Microsoft Authenticator dialog box, prompting you to download the App. At the bottom of the dialog box click "I want to set up a different method".

    

11. On the next window, you will have a list of options. Choose Phone. Then click Confirm.
12. You will be prompted for your Phone details: Select your country code and enter your mobile phone number. Then select Text me a code. Finally click on Next.

    

13. An SMS message will be sent to your phone with a code number. On the computer you will be prompted to enter the code. Type the code and click Next.

    

14. You will see a notice that your account was verified and your phone registered to authenticate your sign ins. Click Next.

    

15. You will see another dialog showing the MFA set up has been successfully completed. Click Done to finish.

    

Signing in

1. If using "Send me a code by text message", a SMS message will be sent to your phone.

   Enter the code contained to when prompted to complete the logon process.

   

2. If using the "Call me" option, the designated number will receive a phone call with instructions on how to proceed to verify your account.
3. You can set up both text message and call options if you wish. These can be on different phone numbers, including a landline.

Support and Troubleshooting

Resetting your MFA

If you need to reset your MFA first try visiting your Microsoft Security Info account page and click on "Add method". If you cannot access this page, contact LSE Tech Support.

Trouble with your MFA

If you have any trouble with MFA, try the LSE MFA Troubleshooting page first. If you continue to experience problems contact LSE Tech Support.

Losing your phone

If you have lost your phone please contact LSE Tech Support immediately.