ICT Services

To help keep your University of Lincoln account secure, all University of Lincoln user accounts use Multi-Factor Authentication.

Multi-Factor Authentication is a system which requires you to prove your identity through a second verification method when logging in.

International Students, Please Note: if you have a phone for use in the UK that is different to the phone you used for enrolment, please follow our guide on changing your phone number for MFA before following the steps below.

Student First-Time Setup for MFA Verification
First Time Setup for the Microsoft Authenticator App
Microsoft Authenticator App Sign-in Process
Setting up more Verification Methods

Student First-Time Setup for MFA Verification

To help keep your University of Lincoln account secure, all University of Lincoln user accounts use Multi-Factor Authentication.

Multi-Factor Authentication is a system which requires you to prove your identity through a second verification method when logging in.

The first time you sign in on a University computer, you will need to follow the steps below.

International Students, Please Note: if you have a phone for use in the UK that is different to the phone you used for enrolment, please follow our guide on changing your phone number for MFA before following the steps below.

1. On a PC, laptop or device with a web browser (not the mobile device you want to use for authentication) visit 365.lincoln.ac.uk.
2. Sign in by typing in your University email (e.g. 12345678@students.lincoln.ac.uk) and your University password.
3. You will receive a text message containing a code on your mobile device via the number that you registered with us when you enrolled.
4. Enter the code when asked to sign in to Office 365.
5. Click on the Account button in the top-right corner of the screen, then select “View Account”.
6. Click on “Update Info” in the “Security Info” tile.
7. Click on “+ Add sign-in method”.
8. Select “Authenticator App” from the drop-down menu.
9. Click “Download now” and follow the instructions to download the Microsoft Authenticator App to your mobile device, then select “Next” once it has been installed.

   

10. Open the Microsoft Authenticator App on your device and scan the QR code on the browser screen.
11. Allow the app to send you notifications.
12. On the Security Info screen under “Default sign-in method”, click “Change” and select the Microsoft Authenticator.

The Microsoft Authenticator App will now be set as your default sign-in method when logging into University resources. When you attempt to sign in, you will now receive a notification on your phone via the app, rather than having to type in a code from a text message!

First Time Setup for the Microsoft Authenticator App

Follow the steps below to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device for use with Multi-Factor Authentication.

1. Sign in on a PC, laptop or a device with a web browser (not the mobile device you want to use for authentication) using your University email and password, and visit a web page that requires your University login (for example, 365.lincoln.ac.uk).
2. If this is your first sign-in, the screen below will appear. The default verification method is the Microsoft Authenticator App. We strongly recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator App as your main verification method:
3. Click the “Download now” link to download and set up the Microsoft Authenticator App to your mobile device. (You can also download it from the Android or Apple app stores).
4. Once the App is installed on your mobile device, click “Next”.
5. Follow the instructions that appear on the computer, then scan the QR code when asked to link the app to your University account:
6. Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions until the process is complete.

The Microsoft Authenticator App is now ready to use – ensure you have notifications switched on for the app on your mobile device. Now you have a primary authentication method set up, we recommend setting up a second verification method as a backup. Follow the steps below to set up a second method.

Microsoft Authenticator App Sign-in Process

When signing-in with the Authenticator App, you will go through the steps outlined below.

Please Note: Users who have MFA set up to send a text message or call their phone will see no change to their MFA process

1. When logging in to some University Microsoft services (such as Office 365), you will be presented with the below screen:
   
2. To sign in, enter your university email address as normal and click on ‘Next’. You will notice that the pop-up that follows has the familiar University blue background but now just prompts you to enter your password.
   
3. Enter your password and click ‘Sign in’.
4. The Authenticator App on your mobile device will then prompt you to enter a 2-digit number, which (if it is a valid request) will match the number on your login window:

Please Note: This number-matching service is incompatible with smartwatches, so please ensure you have the app installed on your mobile device/smartphone.

Non-Microsoft Login

Non-Microsoft services (such as Blackboard) will still show a slightly different sign-in screen, but use the same steps as above.

If you have any questions about the MFA process, please get in touch with the ICT Service Desk for advice on 01522 88 6500 or by emailing ict@lincoln.ac.uk.

Setting up more Verification Methods

We recommend setting up at least two different verification methods.

1. Once you have set up the Microsoft Authenticator App, login at lncn.ac/mwamicrosoft
2. Select “Security Info”. Here, you can check your existing verification methods and add new ones.
3. Click on “+ Add sign-in method”.
4. Choose a method from the drop-down menu (Alternative Phone is recommended).
5. Follow the instructions for your chosen method and it will be added to your list of sign-in methods.

Please Note: If chosen as a method, your email address and security questions will only be used for Self-Service Password Resets – not Multi-Factor Authentication. Please remember to keep your verification methods and other security info up-to-date to ensure you don’t lose access or the ability to use our Self-Service Password Reset system.

Benefits to using the Microsoft Authenticator App

• Faster sign-in process using one touch control – no more typing in codes!
• More secure sign-in with FaceID, TouchID and compatible biometrics on your mobile device.
• Works even when you are not connected to the internet or mobile data.
• Can be used with multiple logins and services – not just the University of Lincoln.

Did you know? If you already have an authenticator app on your device (including Microsoft or Google) you can simply add your University settings and use it without having to install any new apps!