The Commonwealth Office of Technology is enhancing security by
enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on external access to Office 365 resources. MFA is an
industry-accepted practice of requiring an additional item of security in
addition to a user name and password when accessing resources outside of the
protected Commonwealth network. This enhanced protection will apply to
all Office 365 components, including Email, SharePoint, and One Drive.
This additional step will be required for all access when you are not
connected to the Commonwealth network. If you are connected to the
Commonwealth network via VPN or using KY-Secure, you will not be prompted for
MFA.
Once
enabled, users will be prompted to register for multi-factor authentication and
pick one of two methods of multi-factor delivery allowed:
· SMS
Text Messaging
This will text the multi-factor token code within
a SMS text message, which will have to be entered in order to access Office
365. Standard messaging rates will apply
if applicable on the user’s wireless plan.
· Voice
Calling
This will call the number provided by the user during
registration and provide the multi-factor token code verbally.
This
process will have to be repeated every 30 days.
It is important to note, once MFA is enabled, tablets and all telephone
devices will be required to use the Microsoft Outlook application in order to
access state email. The built in email
application will no longer function properly.
For
information regarding the setup of MFA, please refer the MFA Setup User Guide
that is located on this page.
Should users
experience any issues or if there are any questions, please contact the Commonwealth
Service Desk (CommonwealthServiceDesk@ky.gov)
or by calling 502-564-7576 or 1-800-372-7434.