Multifactor Authentication and Me

Question:  I just got a notification that I need more information before logging in.  What’s going on?

So you just got a popup that says “More information required” when logging into your Oxmoor Auto Group (OAG) account and as this is something new to you.  You’re seeing this because we have implemented Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), sometimes called Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), on all user accounts.

What’s MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication is a security measure that ensures that it’s you and only you that is logging into your OAG account.  It does this by requiring a second form of verification from you outside of your password.   This can be done in a variety of ways including getting a text sent to your phone, through an authenticator app, or having an email sent with a verification code.

Are you saying that I have an extra step to log on?

Yes.  If it’s the first time accessing your account on a device, there will be an extra step to log in based on the method of MFA you choose to use (a phone text is the default option).  The process takes only a few seconds more, and since it’s only the first time you’re using a device that it happens, it won’t be every time you log in.

Why do I have to do this extra stuff?

There are a few reasons.   First, it’s industry best practice for all users to require MFA when accessing accounts outside of the internal network.  Second, it protects you from any malicious actors outside of the organization.   Lastly, it’s required for insurance purposes.

OK.  How do I set it up?

First, sign into your Microsoft account like normal

When “More information required” comes up, hit Next.

A page will come up titled “Keep your account secure”.  

Here, you have a few options.  You may download the Microsoft Authenticator, or another authenticator app that you prefer.   If you would prefer to use a text to your phone as an authentication method, scroll down to where it says Phone Authentication Setup.

If you’re using the Microsoft App, just click Next.  If you’re using a different app, click where it says “I want to use a different authenticator app”.

On your authenticator app, follow the instructions to add a new account and get it to where it’s ready to scan the QR code.  Hit Next on the “Set up your account” screen, and a QR code will appear.

After scanning the QR code, your authenticator app will display a 6-digit number.  Hit Next, enter the code in the space provided, and hit Next again.

Congratulations!  You are now set up to use your authenticator app with your OAG account.  

Phone Authentication Setup:
If you would prefer to have your MFA setup to be a text to your cell phone, there’s a different process. When you get to the “More information required” screen, select Skip for now.

Next, you will have to go to your account security page.  This is located at https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info  Once there, select Add sign-in method.

Here choose Phone and select Add.

Next, enter your phone number into the space provided and hit next.

Enter the code that is texted to your phone and hit next.

That’s it!  You now have your phone set up as an authentication method.

I set up both methods but it keeps asking for one type of method and I’d like it to ask for the other.

If you want to make changes to which authentication it asks for first, you can change your default sign-in method by heading back to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and look for where it says change.  Just click on that, choose which method you want as your preferred MFA, hit Confirm and you’re good to go.

I have some other questions about this whole MFA thing.  How do I get those answered?

Best thing to do is just create a ticket on this website!  Click on "New support ticket" in the upper right, and simply fill out the form that appears with any questions you have.  We'll contact you shortly with any answers you need.