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Two Factor Authentication (2FA)

How can I use Two Factor Authentication on my Howest account?

Starting with 2FA

What is 2FA?

2FA is the abbreviation for Multi Factor Authentication.

With 2FA an extra verification is added to your login. The first step is entering your password. The second step is confirming that you really are who you say you are with a different method.

It's a security tool added to your login process.

Follow the steps below to ativate 2FA:

  1. Open a browser and go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
  2. Enter your Howest e-mailadres. You will be redirected to the login screen.
  3. Log in with your Howest password.
  4. Click on "Next".
  5. Click on "Add Method".
  6. Choose:
    • Authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone
  7. Click on "Add"

Verification with the Microsoft Authenticator app

The Microsoft Authenticator app is supported by Howest and recommended for everyday use as it is the most user-friendly and secure method for MFA.

Follow these steps to set up authentication with the Microsoft Authenticator app:

  1. If you choose the Authenticator app method, you will see an invitation to install the app.
  2. Take your smartphone and go to the App Store (iOS), Google Play Store (Android) or Microsoft Store (Windows Phone) to download the Microsoft Authenticator app. to download.

  3. Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator-app.

    Tip: Do you have an iPhone? Make sure that the Microsoft Authenticator app is allowed to send you push messages, so that you can approve them. To do this, go to Settings > Notifications > select the Microsoft Authenticator app and enable "Allow Notifications".

  4. Installation successful? Click on "Next" on your computer screen.
  5. You will see a QR code on your computer screen. It looks like this:
  6. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone and select "Scan QR Code".
    The app will request access to the camera to scan the QR code. Select "Allow".
  7. Point your camera at the QR code to scan it (as if you were taking a picture of it). Your Howest account will now be added to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  8. Click "Next" on your computer screen.
  9. You will receive a test code on your smartphone. Tap "Approve".
  10. A confirmation will appear on your computer screen. Click on "Done".
    The Microsoft Authenticator app is now in your list of methods.

From the next day you will need the Microsoft Authenticator app to access Office 365 applications (OneDrive for Business, Teams, SharePoint Online,…).

Note: This method becomes unusable if you delete the Microsoft Authenticator app, after a factory reset, or when transferring apps and data to a new device.