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MFA FAQs

Overview

This article answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about MCC's implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA is part of our cybersecurity strategy to protect sensitive student, faculty, and staff data. 

Getting Started

MFA adds a second layer of security to your MCC accounts by requiring a second verification factor—usually a push notification or a hardware token—alongside your password.

For first time Duo enrollment instructions see IT Hub Article: Duo First Time Enrollment. Additional information and access to the MFA portal are provided below. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is MFA? 

MFA adds a second layer of security when logging into your account. It requires something you know (your password) and something you have (like a mobile app notification or a hardware token). 

Why is MCC Implementing MFA? 

MFA significantly reduces the risk of account compromise. It blocks over 99.9% of phishing and stolen credential attacks. MCC is adopting MFA to comply with state and federal regulations and to enhance the security of our community's information.

MCC received a grant to help pay for the implementation. That grant requires the implementation to be complete by 8/31/2025.

What systems will require MFA? 

Initially, MFA is required for: 

  • Google Mail (MCC Gmail accounts)
  • Microsoft 365 (Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, etc.)
  • Systems accessed via Single Sign-On (SSO)
    • Award Spring
    • Brightspace
    • Cascade CMS
    • College Central
    • Comevo
    • ConnectWise ScreenConnect
    • Focus 2 Careers
    • Guardian Conduct
    • Ice Learning Center
    • IT Hub (Bookstack)
    • KBPort - Nursing and Respiratory
    • KnowBe4
    • LibApps
    • Mongoose (Cadence)
    • OCLC WMS Worldshare
    • Parchment
    • Pharos 360
    • Qualtrics
    • Rave
    • Register Blast
    • Screen Cloud
    • Softdocs Etrieve
    • Strategic Planning Online (SPOL)
    • Texas Higher Ed Coordinating Board
    • The Atlantic
    • Upswing
    • Zoom
  • VPN (GlobalProtect)

How will I authenticate? 

You can authenticate using: 

  • Duo Mobile app (recommended)
  • Hardware token (for users without smartphones and accessibility needs)
  • Phone call (limited and optional)
  • YubiKey

I received a bypass code error; what do I do? 

During Duo enrollment, you selected a biometric authenticator (fingerprint, face ID, etc.) which will only work on the device you originally completed enrollment with. 

You will need to add a second MFA option to login to MCC systems.  

  • Install the Duo Mobile app on your phone (green and white icon) 
  • On the device you originally enrolled, sign in to Duo| Devices and add your second option.
  • On the other device, sign in to Brightspace; the new option should appear at the MFA prompt.
  • Need help? Please see the IT Hub article Setup Duo on your MCC Account.

I still have not enrolled in Duo and cannot find the enrollment email? 

You no longer need an enrollment email to sign up with Duo. 

Login to any MCC system (Google, Microsoft 365, SSO, VPN), and you will be directed to begin the enrollment process for Duo. Be sure to select your MFA device(s) to finish the enrollment process.

How do I login to Microsoft applications, on my phone, using Duo Mobile and Microsoft Authenticator? 

If you are signing in to Microsoft Teams (or other Microsoft applications) on your phone and have both the Microsoft Authenticator app and Duo installed, the login process will move between these apps.

See the IT Hub article: Duo Mobile Using Microsoft Authenticator for details.

Is Duo Desktop available to use as an authentication method? 

No, only the authentication methods listed above are available.

What if I lose my phone or cannot access my second factor? 

Contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@mclennan.edu for a one-time bypass or device reset. You can also visit the Learning Commons for in-person support. 

Is there a cost for MFA? 

No. Duo Mobile is free. MCC provides tokens for users with ADA accommodations or accessibility needs. Additional tokens may be available for purchase at the McLennan Bookstore. 

Will MFA affect my ability to access campus systems off-campus? 

Yes—in a good way. MFA protects your account even off-campus. You’ll use your second factor when logging in from a new device or location. 

What if I don't have a smartphone? 

You can use a hardware token. See IT Hub: Hardware Token Distribution Guidelines, to make a request.  

Is MFA Required? 

Yes, all MCC students, faculty, and staff will be required to use MFA to access applicable MCC systems. 

Will students be required to use MFA? 

Yes, all MCC students, faculty, and staff will be required to use MFA to access applicable MCC systems. 

What if I am a student and employee?

No problem. You'll have to make a MFA pairing as both a student and an employee because they are separate accounts. You should receive an email to each account. Follow the steps in each to setup MFA. We recommend you name each something that let's you know you're using the one associated with the student account versus the employee account.

How do I view, change, or add registered devices? 

Access Duo login to view or update your registered devices https://mclennan.login.duosecurity.com/devices.

Where can I get help? 

Contact the MCC Help Desk at help@mclennan.edu or (254) 299-8077. You can also visit the Learning Commons for in-person support.

Visit the IT Hub: Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for common issues and knowledge base articles.

Other Duo Common Issues

Visit IT Hub Article: Duo Common Issues

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