Audience
Faculty • Staff • Students
When You Should Use This Guide
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You received unexpected Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) prompts
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You see unfamiliar login activity
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You clicked a suspicious link or opened a phishing email
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You notice changes to your account settings
Security Context
Microsoft accounts provide access to Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Canvas (via Single Sign On or SSO), and institutional systems. Compromise accounts can expose FERPA data, research files, HR information, and communications.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Change Your Password Immediately
2. Review Your MFA Settings
3. Check Recent Login Activity
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At mysignins.microsoft.com, review “Recent Activity”
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Look for unfamiliar locations, devices, or times
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Mark suspicious activity as “This wasn’t me”
4. Secure Your Devices
5. Report the Incident
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Contact IT Service Desk immediately
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Provide details: suspicious email, login alerts, device behavior
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IT may temporarily lock your account for protection
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Ignoring repeated MFA prompts
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Delaying password changes
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Assuming suspicious activity is “just a glitch”
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Not reporting incidents promptly
Examples
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Student receives MFA prompts while not logging in
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Faculty sees login attempts from outside the U.S.
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Staff clicks links within a fake HR benefits email
Troubleshooting
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Locked out after password change: Contact IT Service Desk
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Authenticator not working: Use backup codes
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Suspicious device persists: IT may need to reset your MFA
How to Request Assistance
You can submit a ticket anytime through our Service Catalog
425-564-HELP (4357)
We are available by phone during standard service hours
Send an email to servicedesk@bellevuecollege.edu anytime and we will get back to you
Come by the Service Desk in the B building on Main Campus, room 233, for in-person assistance
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