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Need MFA Help?

Contact the Help Desk for assistance or to make an appointment.

Service Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM


helpdesk@solano.edu
(707) 864-7000 Ext: 4690

Self‑Help MFA Resources

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) helps protect your Solano College account and our campus community from cyber threats by adding an extra layer of security beyond your password.

Effective November 12, 2025, MFA is required for all Solano College employees. This requirement helps ensure that even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access to employee accounts and college data is prevented.

All employees must be enrolled in MFA and keep at least one MFA option set up and ready to use. Please review the steps below to enroll in MFA or confirm that your current setup is working properly.

Get Started: Microsoft Authenticator App Setup in 3 Easy Steps

This is the recommended setup option for most employees.

Step 1: Install the App

Download the free Microsoft Authenticator app.

Apple App Store

Step 2: Enroll Your Account

Sign in to your SCC account and follow the MFA enrollment prompts.

Enroll at Microsoft 365

Step 3: Verify and Save

Complete your verification and confirm MFA is working by signing into an SCC system.

View the Quick Guide

   

Watch: How To Setup Microsoft Authenticator App (MFA)

 

   

Quick Setup Guides

Download step-by-step instructions for your preferred MFA method:

Authenticator App Guide 

Text Messaging Guide

YubiKey Setup Guide

    

Frequently Asked Questions

MFA adds an extra layer of protection by verifying your identity using two methods: something you know (your password) and something you have (like your phone). This helps prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.

No. MFA is required for all SCC employees under Board Policy 3910 and Administrative Procedure 3910.2. All faculty and staff must use MFA to access college systems and services.

  • Microsoft Authenticator App (Recommended): Free, secure, and convenient. Approve sign-ins instantly with push notifications or code confirmation.
  • SMS Text Message: Receives a 6-digit code by text. Easy to use but less secure and may be phased out by Microsoft.
  • YubiKey: Hardware-based security key. Very secure but requires carrying a physical key and covering the ~$50 replacement cost if lost.

No. Shared logins are not permitted under Board Policy 3910 and Administrative Procedure 3910.2. Each employee must have their own individual account protected by MFA to ensure accountability and data security.

Yes. All faculty and staff, including adjunct faculty who teach or work entirely online, are required to use MFA to access college systems and applications. MFA helps protect your account and college data, no matter where you log in from.

No. You can add multiple accounts to the same Microsoft Authenticator app. Simply follow the Solano College MFA enrollment steps to add your SCC account.

  • Account info: Stored on your device and removable anytime.
  • Usage data: Anonymous app performance details, optional via Settings.
  • Diagnostic logs: Only shared if you select “Send feedback.” Used for troubleshooting only.
No personal content, messages, or files are accessed or shared.

Adding or removing devices from your account is simple.

Add a new account to the Microsoft Authenticator app using the same steps you followed during initial setup.

The Microsoft Authenticator app can generate offline passcodes. Select “Enter a Passcode” when prompted, then open the app to view the 6-digit code for sign-in.

  • Apple devices: iOS 11.0 or later
  • Android devices: Android 6.0 or later

You may request a YubiKey if you prefer not to use a personal phone. Before requesting, please note:

  • You must carry the YubiKey with you when logging in.
  • Replacement cost (~$50) is the employee’s responsibility if lost.
  • Setup requires additional time and is less convenient than the app.

To request a YubiKey, contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@solano.edu.

No. The Help Desk will never ask for your password or your Microsoft Authenticator passcode (whether from the app or via SMS). If you receive such a request, do not respond — it may be an attempt to gain unauthorized access to your account.

When you request assistance, the Help Desk may send a legitimate Microsoft Authenticator prompt to your phone as part of verifying your identity. This prompt will include a support request message and a confirmation code that the Help Desk may ask you to read back to confirm your identity.

No. MFA will never ask for your user ID or password. If you receive a message, call, or email requesting your login information, do not respond--it is not legitimate and may be a phishing attempt. Always sign in directly through official Solano College login pages.

If you experience login errors (such as “Invalid Username/Password”) or repeated sign-in prompts, clearing your browser cache and cookies can often resolve the issue.

Your browser may retain outdated session information after a login timeout or system update. Clearing cached data removes these stale sessions and allows the application to establish a fresh, valid login.

Banner login error message stating “Invalid username/password; Logon denied.” with an information icon and an OK button.

Follow the steps below for your browser.

How to clear cache and cookies

Google Chrome

  1. Hit the Ctrl+Shift+Delete buttons on your keyboard.
  2. Select "Last 7 days" or "All Time" based on the date of your last successful login.
  3. Select the checkbox "Cookies and Other site data."
  4. Click "Delete Data"
  5. Close all Chrome windows and reopen the browser.

Google Chrome “Delete browsing data” dialog showing the Last 7 days time range selected, with Cookies and other site data checked, and options for browsing history and cached images/files unchecked, plus Cancel and Delete data buttons at the bottom.

Microsoft Edge,

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard.
  2. Select Last 7 days or All time.
  3. Check Cookies and other site data.
  4. Click Clear now.
  5. Close all Edge windows and reopen the browser.

Microsoft Edge “Delete browsing data” dialog with the Last hour time range selected. Checkboxes for Browsing history, Download history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files are checked, with additional options below, and Cancel and Clear now buttons at the bottom.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard.
  2. Select Last 7 days or All time.
  3. Check Cookies and other site data.
  4. Click Clear.
  5. Close all Firefox windows and reopen the browser.

Mozilla Firefox “Clear browsing data and cookies” dialog with the Last hour time range selected, showing Cookies and site data checked, and options for browsing history, cached files, saved form info, and site settings unchecked, with Clear and Cancel buttons at the bottom.

Once stale cookies are cleared, the error should no longer appear.

If the issue continues after clearing your cookies, please submit a Help Desk ticket so our team can assist you.