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Microsoft Entra

Boise State uses Entra to provide multi-factor authentication (MFA).

MFA requires you to verify your identity using another method, usually your mobile device, to prevent anyone else from logging into your accounts, even if they know your password.

To register, add, or update an authentication method, sign in to Entra security settings. Scroll down to find step-by-step instructions.

Entra security settings

Making Entra easier

The Microsoft Authenticator mobile app is free and is the recommended default authentication method, but adding SMS as a backup makes things a lot easier if you get a new phone.

Add SMS as a backup authentication method
  1. Visit Entra security settings. Sign in, if prompted, and complete the request for multi-factor authentication.
  2. Click the Add sign-in method link.

    Add sign-in method screenshot
  3. Select the method you would like to add and follow the prompts provided.
Change your default authentication method
  1. Visit Entra security settings. Sign in and complete the request for multi-factor authentication, if prompted.
  2. Click Change. (It can be found just above the “Add sign-in method” link.)

    Add sign-in method screenshot
  3. Select the method you would like as the default and click Confirm.

Instructions

The Microsoft Authenticator mobile app is free and is the recommended method of enrollment.

Expand the following sections for step-by-step instructions and screenshots.

(Because mobile devices and settings vary, the following steps and screenshots provided might not match your experience exactly.)

Add the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app
  1. On your mobile device:
    Download the FREE Microsoft Authenticator app to your mobile device by searching “Microsoft Authenticator” in the App Store or Google Play.

    Please make sure the app icon matches the next image. Clicking the App Store or Google Play link on your computer will help you identify the correct app to download to your mobile device.

    screenshot of Microsoft Authenticator icon on mobile device
  2. On your mobile device:
    Open the Authenticator app and allow notifications, if prompted. Tap Accept to agree to the privacy terms. Tap Continue to not share app usage data.
    (Depending on your device settings, you may also be notified that app lock is enabled. If it does, tap OK.)
  3. On your computer:
  4. On your computer:
  5. On your mobile device:
    Tap Scan QR code. If prompted, tap Allow to give Authenticator access to the camera.

    Scan the QR code shown on your computer screen.
  6. On your computer:
    Click Next.

  7. On your mobile device:
    Enter the number shown on the computer screen in the Authenticator app.
    (If your device enabled app lock earlier, it may ask to use face recognition after this step.)
  8. On your computer:
    When the notification is approved, click Next. Click Done. Your registration is complete.
Add SMS text message
  1. Click the registration link to begin.
  2. Make a selection. Click Next.

    Registration platform selection in Entra registration
  3. Select SMS/Text message. Click Next.

    SMS/text message selected in Entra registration
  4. Click Begin registration. Enter your Boise State email address and click Next. Enter your password and click Sign in.

    Boise State Entra sign in screen

    If you are already logged in, proceed to the next step.
  5. The screen will say that more information is required and that you must complete multifactor authentication, but you won’t have to. Click Next.

    Entra registration process requesting more information
  6. Click the I want to set up a different method link at lower-left.

    Alert requesting you to download the Microsoft Authenticator app
  7. Select Phone from the menu.
    (This option implies you can also set up a phone call, but only text messages are enabled for Boise State accounts.)

    Authenticator setup methods
  8. Enter your phone number, including area code, and click Next.

    Authenticator phone set up screenshot
  9. Enter the 6-digit code sent via text and click Next.

    Authenticator phone setup verification code request
  10. Verify your phone number has been successfully registered and click Next. Click Done. Your registration is complete.

    confirmation that phone verification is complete

Thank you for registering! We begin using Entra on November 11. Until then, continue using Duo to authenticate.

Add a hardware token

If you are unable to register for Entra using the Authenticator app or SMS, please contact the Help Desk to learn more about purchasing and registering with a hard token.

(If you currently use a hardware token for Duo, we’ve sent an email with information about new tokens.)

Change your phone number

If you are unable to register for Entra using the Authenticator app or SMS, please contact the Help Desk to learn more about purchasing and registering with a hard token.

(If you currently use a hardware token for Duo, we’ve sent an email with information about new tokens.)

Set up Authenticator app on a new phone

These steps only work if you set up a backup or an alternate authentication method prior to getting a new phone.

If you did NOT have a backup method, then you must call the Help Desk at (208) 426-4357 or visit in person to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your new phone.

  1. Visit Entra security settings and sign in, if prompted.
  2. When prompted to authenticate with the Microsoft Authenticator app, click Sign in another way or I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now. 
  3. Choose one of your alternate authentication methods, such as sending a text message, as long as you have the same phone number your old phone had.

    Important: If you did not set up an alternate or backup authentication methods, then you must call the Help Desk at (208) 426-4357 or visit in person to re-register your new phone.
  4. Enter the code from the text message and click Verify.
  5. Select the method you would like as the default and click Confirm.

Security reminder

Never approve an authentication request unless you are actively signing in to Boise State services.

If you receive an unexpected push notification in the Authenticator app, select “No, it’s not me” to block the request.

Do not share authorization codes with anyone – Boise State will never ask for this information.

If you receive an authentication request you did not initiate, please contact the Help Desk immediately at (208) 426-4357.

Frequently Asked Questions

Entra registration

Am I required to use Entra?

Yes, everyone is required to use Entra to log in to University applications such as myBoiseState, Google Workspace (which includes email), Canvas, Zoom web client, VPN client, PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and Bronco Hub.

What is multi-factor authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security to our systems. It requires you to verify your identity using another method (like your mobile device) to prevent anyone else from logging into your accounts, even if they know your password.

Do I need a smartphone to use Entra?

No, a smartphone is not required. You may also register using a phone number that can accept text messages.

If you are unable to enroll using the Authenticator app or text message, please contact the Help Desk to learn more about purchasing and registering with a hard token.

Can I enroll with more than one method?

Yes! In fact, we suggest doing so as a backup. Follow the instructions at the top of the page to add an additional authentication method.

Can I use an international number with Entra?

Yes, you can use an international number with Entra. Choose the appropriate country code when registering for text messages.

Need assistance?

For more information, contact the Help Desk at (208) 426-4357, helpdesk@boisestate.edu, or ServiceNow.