Microsoft MFA expansion to streamline campus login experience and strengthen security

CU Boulder is taking steps to streamline the login experience for students, faculty and staff and, in doing so, strengthen our cybersecurity posture in response to escalating global cybersecurity threats. As part of this effort, starting Wednesday, June 3, more campus online services will require Microsoft multi-factor authentication (MFA) to sign in. In some cases Microsoft MFA will replace Duo MFA, creating one standardized MFA sign-in experience across campus services.

Microsoft MFA is already used to access Microsoft services like Outlook, OneDrive, and Teams. As this rollout takes place, you may notice a different sign-in experience when accessing some campus services, but you will use the same Microsoft MFA method you already have set up, such as the Microsoft Authenticator app, a phone number, or a security key. No changes to how you use Microsoft MFA are required.

These improvements will broaden MFA protection to services that previously did not have it—such as Canvas, Google Workspace apps, Web Express and University Libraries—and transition services currently protected by Duo, including MyCUInfo and Buff Portal, to Microsoft MFA.

This update also addresses requests OIT has received from campus IT partners and faculty governance groups to make logins to campus services less complicated by streamlining the process. Shifting campus services from Duo MFA to Microsoft MFA will not only simplify access to campus systems but also improve MFA policy management and help reduce the overall cost and complexity of providing MFA protection. 

If you ever have trouble signing in with Microsoft MFA, the IT Service Center can help get you back on track. Support is also available through Buff Techs and Buff Techs Pro. (You will be required to have your Buff OneCard or government ID for MFA help.) 

Learn more about the services that will require Microsoft MFA and what to expect:

• Learn more about campus services requiring Microsoft MFA
• Learn more about Microsoft multi-factor authentication
• Watch this video to see what the Microsoft MFA authentication experience looks like

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the IT Service Center at oithelp@colorado.edu or 303‑735‑4357.