Microsoft ​​Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Setup and Troubleshooting​

Microsoft two-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) is used for staff Microsoft account logins (for example, signing in to your DA laptop, using Outlook, or SharePoint in a browser). This allows Microsoft to verify your identity when logging in for a new session, or when accessing your account from a different device or location.

NOTE: If you have received a Microsoft 2FA reset email without triggering it yourself, it could be a malicious attempt to take control of your account. Please contact it@dietitiansaustralia.org.au if you're concerned an email is not genuine, and read up on identifying spam email in our Helpdesk.

2FA App Setup Instructions

1. If you haven’t already, install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone, from the Play Store or App Store, depending on the device. Microsoft Authenticator will soon be the only supported authentication method.

On first launch of the app you may be asked to create an Authenticator account or sign in using an existing identity, but you can skip this step. It's just for the app itself and not 2FA setup. It is separate from any Dietitians Australia account credentials, and is optional.

2. When attempting to log in to your computer, or log in to a Microsoft service (like Outlook) for the first time, you should be prompted to setup multi-factor authentication with the Authenticator app. Follow the prompts and click Next as needed. The process will provide you with a QR Code on your computer screen for scanning in the Authenticator app. With the Authenticator phone app open, add a new account in the app using the + button at the top right, then select ‘Work or School account’.

3. When prompted, tap ‘Scan a QR Code’ in the app popup to add your DA Microsoft login to Authenticator. Scan the QR Code with your phone camera (granting permission if needed).

4. Follow the steps provided on your phone to finalise the 2FA setup in Authenticator. Once 2FA is set up, you should be ready to proceed with logging in on your computer. The computer will give you a two-digit code that will need to be entered in your app. You may need to provide phone security next (PIN, Face ID, or fingerprint). When your code and phone security are provided, you will be logged in! 

A code is provided when attempting to sign in on the computer

The code needs to be entered in the phone app to approve sign in

5. You will get the option to 'Stay signed in' and can select Yes to maintain your active session.

Now 2FA is set up, future attempts to sign in on a new device or when outside of the Canberra office should start in these instructions at Step 4 – asking for you to approve a login in the Authenticator app by entering the 2-digit code shown on your computer screen.

Note: As security protocols are put in place throughout the organisation, any personal devices (your personally-owned laptops and smartphones), even with 2FA and the right account details, will fail to connect to our Microsoft services, showing a message about compliance.

Please raise a Helpdesk ticket if you intend to use personal devices for work purposes; it may not be feasible and, if possible, will take some planning. Similarly, if you intend to access your Dietitians Australia account (Microsoft services) from outside Australia, please raise a ticket to discuss.