Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a process where a user is prompted during the sign-in process for an additional form of identification, such as entering a code on their cellphone or providing a fingerprint scan.
There will be some changes seen by users in late March 2023, Microsoft is adding "number matching" to MFA as an additional security measure to protect your account.
In addition to number matching, users will now see the name of the app that the authentication request is sent from, and the location of the request (based off IP address).
When a user responds to an MFA push notification using the Authenticator app, they will be presented with a number. They need to type that number into the app to complete the approval.
Information
Number Matching – The Microsoft Authenticator will be changing the push notification behavior to improve security. During your interactive login prompt a 2-digit number is presented on the screen, then when you receive your usual approval notification on your Microsoft authenticator app, you will be asked to enter that number.
| Current experience with Microsoft Authenticator push notifications: |  |
| Future experience with Microsoft Authenticator and number matching: |  |
App Identification – Another useful feature enhancement that will be rolling out alongside Number Match is App Identification. When you receive a prompt in the Microsoft Authenticator, you will now see the additional details for the application that requests the approval.
| Future experience with Microsoft Authenticator and App Identification: |  |
Location-based Identification – The third feature improvement that will be rolling out with Number Matching and App Identification is Location-based Reporting. This will give the location (based on IP address) of where the sign-in originated.
| Future experience with Microsoft Authenticator and Location-based Reporting*: |  |
*Please note:
If you’re often using a mobile device to access Madison College services, your location will display that of your phone provider. This may display a locale that is different than where you’re physically located. Additionally, if using a virtual private network (VPN) to access services, you will see the chosen VPN location displayed.
Smart Watch (wearable) impact – According to Microsoft, with the addition of number matching, the Authenticator app will not work on an Apple Watch. Users who have used an Apple Watch with the Authenticator app in the past will need to authenticate on a different device.
This may change in the future, but in the current release for Microsoft Authenticator, smart watches and other wearable devices will not work.
Minimum Supported Version – Listed below are the minimum supported versions for both the mobile device OS and the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you are unable to receive the two-digit numbers required, please ensure you’re on the latest version of both the mobile device OS and the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Minimum Microsoft Authenticator version supporting number matching:
|
Android |
6.2006.4198 |
|
iOS |
6.4.12 |
Minimum Mobile Device OS version supporting number matching:
|
Android |
Requires Android 8.0 and later |
|
iOS |
Requires iOS 14.0 or later |
Additional Information and Follow Up
You can use these three new features (Number Matching, App Identification, and Location-based Reporting) to decide on either approving the prompt received in your Microsoft Authenticator or not. When in doubt, do not approve the prompt and contact the Help Desk for assistance in determining if the request should be approved.
If you have any questions, please contact the Student Help Desk at 608.243.4444 or submit your question online or the Employee Help Desk at 608.246.6666 or helpdesk@madisoncollege.edu.