Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an extra layer of security that prevents anyone but you from logging in to your account, even if someone else knows your password. Multifactor authentication is required for all Ozarks Tech students, staff, and faculty.
Table of Contents
Available Methods
There are two different ways you can set up your multifactor:
Microsoft’s authentication app that sends you a push notification when you need to authenticate.
Microsoft Authenticator also offers one-time codes that let you authenticate without an internet connection.
Hardware Token
In the event you do not have a phone, we can set up a hardware token for you to use.
This will only be provided to those who do not have access to a phone or ability to own one.
Microsoft Authenticator App Setup
Method 1 - With a phone and a computer
To set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, while also using your computer:
Log into myOTC on my.otc.edu on your computer.
When prompted for ‘More information required’, press Next.
When prompted to “Install Microsoft Authenticator,” open the app store on your phone and search for Microsoft Authenticator.
Warning! Sponsored apps will appear above Microsoft Authenticator. Please make sure you are installing the correct app!
Once the app is installed on your phone, press “Next” on the computer.
Your computer will now show a QR code.
On your phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
If prompted to add an account, do so. Otherwise press the plus icon at the top of the app, and then select Work or School account.
Tap “Scan a QR code.”
Scan the code on the computer with your phone--your OTC username will now show on the app.
Press “Next” on the computer.
Enter the number on your computer into the notification on your app on your phone.
If successful, your computer will say “Authenticator Added.”
Method 2 - With only your phone
To set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone without a computer on hand:
Log into myOTC on my.otc.edu on your phone.
When prompted for “More information required,” tap “Next.”
When prompted to “Install Microsoft Authenticator,” open the app store on your phone and search for Microsoft Authenticator.
Warning! Sponsored apps will appear above Microsoft Authenticator. Please make sure you are installing the correct app!
Once the app is installed on your phone, tab back to your web browser and tap Next.
Tap on “Pair your account to the app by clicking this link.”
This will open your Microsoft Authenticator app and add your OTC account to the app.
Once you see the account, return to the web browser and tap Next.
Enter the number into the notification on your app on your phone.
If successful, your computer will say “Authenticator Added.”
Hardware Token
Hardware tokens are small, keychain-like devices that have a button on them. Pressing this button will display a code, which can be used to authenticate.
Hardware tokens are only provided to those who:
Do not possess or own a phone.
Cannot set up multi-factor authentication any other way.
If you have a phone, you will be asked to set up MFA on that device. If you do not have a phone, you can email the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@otc.edu to explain your situation, and we can help get you sorted.
Hardware tokens are not granted upon preference. These are only for situations where they are necessary.
Using an Alternate Method of MFA
Don’t have access to your regular method of authenticating? Please check the authentication prompt for a link that will let you use another method that you have previously added to your account:
Managing Your MFA Options
You can edit your MFA at any time so long as you have access to one of your currently configured MFA methods.
Go to your Security Info tab in your Microsoft Account: My Sign-Ins. You will need to sign in and authenticate to access this screen, so you cannot access it if you do not have a method of MFA available.
Here, you can add, remove, and change what MFA method is offered by default.
Please note that it can take 15-30 minutes for an MFA change in your settings to reflect in how Microsoft prompts you when signing in.
My MFA is not working…
If any of the following sound familiar…
“I am no longer receiving codes to log in.”
“I recently bought a new phone, and my MFA is no longer working.”
“My phone number changed, and my MFA is no longer working.”
Then the IT Help Desk will need to reset your multifactor for you. Our system does not automatically detect when you receive a new phone, even if you copy the Microsoft Authenticator app over to it.
If this applies to you, contact the IT Help Desk by any of these methods:
Phone Support: 417-447-7548
Or visit the IT Service Center in the Jared Family Atrium in Information Commons.
Further Troubleshooting:
Removing an old Ozark’s Technical Community College account from Microsoft Authenticator:
Tap the OTC account within the app.
Tap the gear icon in the top right.
Tap “Remove Account.”
if the option to remove account is not there, then follow these next steps.
Android: from your ‘desktop’ long press on the Microsoft Authenticator app icon until you see the popup for “App info" go to Storage & cache and clear both storage and cache, so the app looses any information that it has ever run before on your device.
iPhone: go to your phones general "Settings", which is usually the gear icon. and go to Apps >
Microsoft Authenticator > and clear your Storage and Cache with the result that the app will have no information that it has ever run before on that device.