Password & MFA FAQs

Getting Started Account Management MFA Enrollment

Password & MFA FAQ

Find answers to common questions about passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), new devices, and Microsoft Authenticator. Get the information you need to securely access North Central College resources.

What are the password requirements?

 

Password must meet the following requirements:

  • Contain at least 8 characters
  • Contain at least 1 number
  • Be different than any of your previous passwords
  • Must not contain your name or username
  • Should not contain the characters "&" or "<".
When does my password expire?

 

Passwords expire every 180 days.  

You will password expiration email reminders 14-days prior to your password's expiration date.

Please change your password as soon as you start receiving these reminders so your account does not become locked out.

Can ITS reset my password over the phone?

 

For security reasons, ITS is unable to change passwords over the phone.  

Please visit the NCC Password Portal to reset your password using the "Forgot Password" link.

Can I reset a forgotten password?

 

There are multiple ways you can regain access to your account via the Password Portal.

  • Microsoft Authenticator App *
  • One Time Password (OTP) code sent via SMS to your mobile device *
  • One Time Password (OTP) code sent to a personal email address *
  • Visit the ITS Help Desk in Carnegie Hall 110 and show a picture ID

* You must have completed the Portal Guard enrollment for these options to be available for your account.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

 

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is the security practice of using more than one method of authentication to access an account.

NCC's MFA will require you to have 2 factors of authentication.

  • Factor 1 - Something You Know – this is a traditional username and password to your account
  • Factor 2 - Something You Have – this is typically something that you have with you, such as a mobile device that will display a rolling code (One Time Password - OTP) in an authenticator app
What is the difference between PortalGuard MFA and M365 MFA?

 

PortalGuard MFA

  • Used to secure your NCC accounts, like the password portal, Colleague logins, and Self Service. 
  • It's listed in the Microsoft Authenticator app as:
    North Central College MFA (username)

 

Office 365 MFA

  •  Used to protect your NCC Microsoft account, specifically. This includes sign-ins for your email, the Hub, Teams, and Office software
  • It's listed in the Microsoft Authenticator app as:
    North Central College 
    username@noctrl.edu

 

When MFA is correctly configured for both services, you will see two (2) entries in the Microsoft Authenticator app

Why do I need to use a personal email address and phone number for password reset?

 

A secondary email account or phone number is used in the event that you are unable to access your NCC account (either because you have forgotten the password or the password has expired). 

I didn't receive an OTP code via email. Where did it go?

 

Make sure you are checking the correct email account for this message. If it is not in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder.

You can update or change your personal email in your Merlin User Profile at any time.

What if I don't have a mobile device to run the Microsoft Authenticator app?

 

MFA is a security requirement that cannot be "turned off." 

Please contact the Help Desk if you do not have a mobile device capable of downloading the Authenticator app.

Do I need to re-register for MFA when I get a new phone?

 

If one or both of your tokens are not working after you have restored your phone from a back-up, you will need to re-enroll.

  1. Visit the Help Desk in person with a photo ID to reset your MFA method
    -----   or -----
  2. Contact the  Help Desk to request a Zoom meeting to reset your MFA method.  **You will need to show your NCC ID card and your face with a high-quality video connection.

​The Help Desk is located in Carnegie 110 and is available to assist Monday - Friday from 8am - 4:30pm.