UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Microsoft Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is replacing Duo as Penn State’s identity verification system. Enrollment in Microsoft MFA is mandatory for most students by May 8. Students who have not enrolled in Microsoft Multifactor Authentication (MFA) should do so now at accounts.psu.edu/mfa to avoid login disruptions after their enrollment deadline date.
Students not enrolled in and using Microsoft MFA by their enrollment deadline will not be able to register for classes, retrieve grades, or access any secure University-affiliated sites and services such as Outlook email, Canvas and LionPATH until they enroll in Microsoft MFA. Enrollment deadlines for other student groups as well as for faculty and staff members are outlined in the reminder to enroll in Microsoft MFA news article.
Already, more than 33,000 students have enrolled in Microsoft MFA. Enrollment is easy and takes about 15 minutes. Go to accounts.psu.edu/mfa and click on the “Enroll in MFA” button to access the enrollment form and begin the enrollment process.
The new Microsoft MFA authentication is different from Duo, but its purpose and functionality remain the same. Although Microsoft MFA is the University’s primary authentication method moving forward, do not uninstall Duo now, as there may be some systems and services within the University that still require it. You may also be using Duo for other non-Penn State instances outside the University.
Transitioning to Microsoft MFA enables the University to reduce costs by aligning with other Microsoft tools it’s already using, streamline service management, and enhance Penn State’s security posture.
Step-by-step enrollment instructions are available on the Knowledge Base at MFA: Microsoft Authenticator Enrollment.
Frequently asked questions are available on the Knowledge Base at MFA: Common and Frequently asked questions about Microsoft MFA.
To learn more, visit MFA: Finding Help with Multifactor Authentication – Master List of Knowledge Base Articles.
For help, contact the IT Service Desk via chat, submit a Get Help ticket, phone at 814-865-4357, or email at ITservicedesk@psu.edu.