Multi-Factor Authentication

GCCISD is taking extra steps to make sure you are who you say you are when you sign in. This extra security verification is also known as multi-factor authentication. It consists of a combination of your username, password, and a mobile device or phone.

Multi-factor authentication is more secure than just a password because it relies on two forms of authentication:

• Something you know, like your password.
• Something you have, like a phone or other device that you carry.

Multi-factor authentication can help stop malicious hackers from pretending to be you. Even if they have your password, the odds are that they don't have your device, too.

If you're using a work or school account (such as your district email), it's up to your organization whether you use multi-factor authentication, along with the specific verification methods. Because GCCISD has decided that you must use this feature, there's no way for you to individually turn it off.

Once you access your GC Portal, Outlook will be a tile for you to choose. You will need to set up two-step authentication from your desktop computer by going to https://aka.ms/mfasetup.

• Sign in using your district email. (ex. firstname.lastname@gccisd.net) Click Next.
• Enter your district password. Click Sign in.

If you do not remember or know your password. Please contact the helpdesk for assistance at (281) 420-4633.

After your organization turns on multi-factor authentication, every time you sign in you’ll get a prompt telling you to provide more information to help keep your account secure.

To access the Additional security verification page:

1. Select Next from the More information required prompt.

The Security info verification page appears.

2. On the Security info page, select Add sign-in method. This multi-factor authentication method will be used to verify you are who you say you are when you sign into your work or school account.

3. Select one of the following options as your default authentication in the dropdown box.

** You may select more than one multi-factor authentication by selecting the checkboxes next to the options. **

Multi factor authentication (MFA) provides a second layer of security. When enabled, during login after entering your password, you’ll be asked for an additional way to prove it’s really you. Either approve the notification sent to the Microsoft Authenticator, or enter the one-time password (OTP) generated by the app. The OTP codes have a 30 second timer counting down. This timer is so you never have to use the same time-based one-time password (TOTP) twice and you don’t have to remember the number.

You will need to configure at least one phone as well so that if you lose the app you are not locked out of the account.

This option places an automated voice call to the phone number you provide. Answer the call and press the pound key (#) on the phone keypad to authenticate. If you have not recently signed into a device and receive an authentication phone call, listen to the instructions on the phone to mark it as spam.

You can also setup an alternate phone number the same way as the phone method.