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Verification of Page Layout (For MFA)

Welcome to the Vancouver School Board's MFA enrollment page! Here, you'll find everything you need to know about Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), why it's important, how to set it up, and answers to common questions. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth and secure as possible for everyone.

Video: LIT Team Explains MFA and Next Steps

Watch this video where our Learning and Information Technology (LIT) team explains the importance of MFA, how it works, and the next steps for implementation.

<<embed YouTube unlisted video >>

What is MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires users to provide two or more independent pieces of evidence (or factors) to verify their identity before accessing online systems or services. These factors can include something you know (like a password), something you have (like a smartphone), or something you are (like a fingerprint). In summary, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) involves using more than a username and password to access your account. 

Importance of MFA

MFA is crucial for protecting our systems and data from cybercriminals, hackers, and malicious insiders. Passwords alone are insufficient as they can be easily guessed, cracked, or stolen through phishing, malware, or social engineering. MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for attackers to gain access. According to Microsoft, 99.9% of account compromise attacks can be blocked by using MFA. 

Additionally, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) mandates that public bodies protect personal information with reasonable security arrangements, and MFA is considered one such arrangement. 

The ultimate goal is keeping VSB student, staff and district information safe. MFA helps protect your account by making it harder for someone else to access it. This means better security and less chance of someone else getting into your account. 

What you need to know

Similar to many banks, VSB now highly encourages a two-step sign-in process for your Microsoft 365 accounts (including Outlook, MS Teams, and OneDrive). Initially, you will log in with your VSB username and password, followed by a prompt generated through the Microsoft Authenticator app. This app can be downloaded to your mobile device from Google Play or Apple Store. For detailed instructions, please see below. 

Setting Up MFA

We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app for its enhanced security and ease of use. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to set up MFA on your device. 

Important Step: For VSB Mac laptop users

Upon completion of steps above, please follow the instructions below to register your VSB Mac laptop for device compliance for MFA. 

<<insert link to "Registering your VSB Mac as a Compliant Device">> 


Frequently Asked Questions

  • MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to access our systems and data, even if they have the password. According to Microsoft, 99.9% of account compromise attacks can be blocked by using MFA. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) mandates that public bodies protect personal information with reasonable security arrangements, and MFA is considered one such arrangement.

  • MFA can be implemented in various ways, such as SMS codes, email links, mobile apps, biometric scanners, or hardware tokens. The VSB plans to use Microsoft’s Authenticator mobile app, which must be installed on users' mobile phones. The VSB recommends using the Microsoft Authenticator app for MFA, as SMS codes may not be available while traveling without an international roaming data plan.

  • Passwords can be easily guessed, cracked, or stolen through phishing, malware, or social engineering. Even if you choose a secure password and practice good cyber hygiene, it can still be compromised.

  • No, you should still follow strong password guidelines. Use a password that is at least 12 characters long, contains a mix of uppercase and lowercase characters, includes at least one integer and one special character, and do not reuse passwords for other accounts.

  • No, MFA is highly encouraged. While the transition may seem onerous, it is minimally disruptive and constitutes only a small change to your login process. Your IT team is here to support you through this change.

  • You will be prompted to confirm your identity via your second factor every time you log into a Microsoft 365 service (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive) outside of the VSB network or on a non-VSB issued device. Once your devices and applications are synced, you will be periodically prompted.

  • MFA will protect logins for Microsoft 365 applications, including MS Teams, MS Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive.

  • Please contact the VSB Service Desk.

  • If you forget your phone or buy a new one, contact the VSB Service Desk. Set up MFA on your new phone before relinquishing your old one. MFA can be set up on multiple phones simultaneously.

  • The IT Team can issue you a hardware token for use with MFA. Please contact the VSB Service Desk to request one.

  • If you are travelling for work or vacation and need to access your VSB M365 programs, you will need to have your second factor with you (Smartphone or hardware key). VSB recommends using the Microsoft Authenticator app for MFA, as SMS codes may not be available while traveling without an international roaming data plan.

  • For any questions related to multi-factor authentication, or request support, please call the VSB Service Desk at +1-604-713-4444 or email at servicedesk@vsb.bc.ca

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