Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a secure method for verifying your identity when accessing your Lethbridge Polytechnic account. In addition to your username and password, MFA requires a second form of verification (typically through the Microsoft Authenticator app) to help protect your personal information and our institutional systems.

You’ve likely used MFA before with services like online banking, health benefits portals, email platforms, or online shopping accounts. It’s a simple way to add an extra layer of protection to your digital life.

As a post-secondary institution, Lethbridge Polytechnic is a high-value target for cyberattacks, including phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. In recent years, ransomware has caused billions of dollars in damage globally, resulting in extended downtime and compromised data.

MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access by adding an extra layer of protection to your account. It’s not only a smart security practice - it’s also a requirement of our institution’s cybersecurity insurance and part of our broader commitment to protecting student, staff, and institutional information.

• Using a computer, log in to your Lethbridge Polytechnic account by going to the myPolytech student portal from the main Lethbridge Polytechnic website, or through this link: myPolytech (Students)
  • Have your personal mobile device handy, as it will be required during this registration process.
  • During your initial login, you will be prompted to provide more information to set up MFA. The window will look like this:

• Click next.

• On your smartphone, go to the Google Play (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS), and install the “Microsoft Authenticator” app.
   
• Once the install is complete, open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
   
• Under the different sign-in options, select scan QR code.
  • If prompted, allow camera access for the Microsoft Authenticator app. A camera screen will pop up.
  • Scan the QR code you see on your computer’s screen with the Microsoft Authenticator app camera.
  • Please note: If your phone's camera cannot read the QR code, please select can't scan image? on your computer screen, and enter the code and URL manually on the Authenticator app. Then, click Finish.

• Select next. A notification is sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone to verify your account.

• On your smartphone, approve the notification on your device, then select next.

• On your computer, you will be directed back to the “Keep your account secure” page to set up a second authentication method.
  • Enter your phone number, and select next.

• You will receive a 6-digit text message on your phone.  Enter it on the screen, and select next.

• Review and ensure that your multi-factor authenticator is displayed as successful, and then select Done.

The setup is now complete!

Please note: This registration process will need to be done again if:

• You get a new phone
• Your phone goes through a factory reset

If you require assistance or have any questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk or reference this article by Microsoft.

If you access your email on a mobile device (smartphone or tablet), you may need to reconfigure your account settings depending on how it was initially set up:

• If you use the Outlook Mobile app, you can continue using this app, although you may be prompted for MFA from time to time when accessing your email from off campus.
• If you use your device’s default mail client (either iOS or Android), or another mail app, either:
  • Switch to the Outlook Mobile app, or
  • Remove and re-configure your Lethbridge Polytechnic email account on your device:
    • In your account settings, remove your @lethpolytech.ca account settings
    • Reboot your device
    • Reconfigure the account using the instructions for your device type on the Accessing Email page – you will be prompted for MFA as part of the setup.

You can find links to download the Outlook Mobile app on the Go Mobile page.

You’ll continue to receive prompts to set up MFA until the process is complete.

If you haven’t enrolled within two weeks of the initial prompt, you will no longer be able to postpone setup. At that point, access to your account will be restricted until MFA is successfully configured.

Not always. 

When you're on campus, your username and password are typically enough. Other security measures are already in place to protect campus-based access.

You’ll be prompted to authenticate when accessing your account from off campus, whether or not you’re connected to a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The frequency of these prompts may vary, but all members of the Lethbridge Polytechnic community should expect to complete the MFA process occasionally while studying or working remotely.

If you receive an MFA prompt that you didn’t initiate, do not approve it.

When in doubt, contact the ITS Help Desk.

Your authentication contact information (such as your secondary email address) is securely stored and used only for account verification and support. It’s part of your private Office 365 identity and not visible to others.

Please note: Select ITS staff may access this information only when needed to assist with account-related issues.

For more details on how we collect and use personal information, please see our Website privacy statement.

While there are many MFA apps available, we recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator App.

Please note: You can download the Microsoft Authenticator app using the links on our Go Mobile page.

Some users have experienced issues signing into the Self-Service portal after setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app. If this applies to you:

• Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, select your Lethbridge Polytechnic account, and choose "disable phone sign-in".
  • This will only change how the app requests your approval for sign-in attempts; it does not restrict any functionality.
  • If you encounter any difficulties, please contact the ITS Help Desk for further assistance.