Microsoft Azure Single Sign On (SSO)
Biola IT is in the process of replacing the the NetID login system with Microsoft Azure Single Sign On (SSO) and Multi Factor Authentication (MFA). Azure AD uses your Biola email address and password instead of your NetID.
Action Required: IT is advising students, faculty, and staff to sign in to their Microsoft Azure Single Sign-On accounts to set up multifactor authentication (MFA). Over the course of the next year, Azure Single Sign-On (SSO) will systematically replace the NetID SSO system in a phased approach, one technology service at a time. By setting up multifactor authentication on your Azure SSO account, you will be able to seamlessly sign in to all tech services when the NetID SSO system is replaced.
How do I set up my Azure SSO account with multifactor authentication?
Note: If you've already set up Multifactor Authentication on your Microsoft Azure account for another Biola service (e.g. Code42 Crashplan Cloud) there is nothing more to do. You will not be prompted to set it up again when signing in to Microsoft Azure.
- Sign in to your Biola Microsoft account with your Biola email address and password. You will not use your NetID to sign in.
- Follow the prompts to set up multifactor authentication. You can choose from different authentication methods (IT recommends more than one as a failsafe):
- Authenticator App
- Alternate phone (for text phone call)
- Office phone (for phone call)
When will I need to have multifactor authentication set up for my Azure SSO account?
As Biola IT replaces the NetID system for technology services like MyAccount, My.Biola, Canvas, and eAccounts, we will apply the new Azure SSO method and enforce multifactor authentication. The NetID replacement process for core technologies will be scheduled and communicated to the campus. When you set up multifactor authentication one time, you will be able to sign in to all subsequent systems as they are migrated over.
Why do I need to set up Multifactor Authentication?
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is one of the most effective tools for preventing unauthorized access to your technology accounts. Watch Microsoft’s video about what MFA is and why it is important.
Why is Biola adopting Azure SSO?
Biola IT evaluated several replacement products for our aging NetID SSO system. Microsoft Azure stood out as an affordable and well-regarded Identity and Access Management product that will enable us to modernize critical technology infrastructure and enhance our cybersecurity with multifactor authentication.
Note: Over the course of the next year, IT will be replacing the old NetID sign-in method with Microsoft Azure Single Sign On (SSO) on systems like Canvas, MyAccount, and eAccounts in a phased approach, one technology service at a time.
Biola NetID
The Biola NetID is a user's login credential for Biola's single sign on service (SSO) that uses a single username and password across common Biola services, like myaccount.biola.edu, wireless network access, Canvas, and most library databases. The NetID consists of the first name, last initial, and one or more numbers (e.g. johns11).
- NetIDs are permanent, unchangeable, and remain indefinitely connected to user accounts.
- Users should not share their NetID as it is a part of their Biola user credentials.
Note: Over the course of the next year, IT will be replacing the old NetID sign-in method with Microsoft Azure Single Sign On (SSO) on systems like Canvas, MyAccount, and eAccounts in a phased approach, one technology service at a time.
Google Workspace
Biola uses Google Workspace for email, calendaring, document sharing, and other Google services.
If you already have a personal Gmail account, your Biola Gmail account will look and feel exactly the same. You can log in to both your personal Gmail and your Biola Gmail at the same time by following Google's instructions.
