Register PCCC Authentication method

Registration Quick Links for PCCC Authentication Methods

Adding the Microsoft Authenticator App
Adding a Security Key (FIDO Key)
Adding an authenticator app you own (ex: Duo, Google Authenticator, Authy)
Adding phone number(s) (Text or Call)
Adding a personal email address (Only used to reset your password or unlock your account)

Manage your security verification methods

What are PCCC Authentication methods?

When you sign into your online accounts – a process we call "authentication" – you're proving to the service that you are who you say you are. Traditionally that's been done with only a username and a password. Unfortunately, this method alone is not very secure. Usernames are often easy to discover; sometimes they can be your email address. Since passwords can be hard to remember, people tend to pick simple ones or use the same password at many different sites. This can make an account easy to break into by cybercriminals who want to access the account owner’s information.

That's why almost all online services – banks, social media, shopping and yes, Microsoft 365 too – have added a way for your accounts to be more secure. When you sign in to your PCCC account for the first time on a new device or app (like a web browser) you will need more than just the username and password. You need a second way – what we call a second "factor" – to prove who you are.

This is also true when you forget your password or have accidentally typed in the wrong password too many times. Our service will need another factor to identify you to perform a password reset, account unlock, or sign in from an unrecognized device or location.

An authentication factor is a way of confirming your identity when you try to sign in. For example, a password is one kind of factor, it's a thing you know. The three most common kinds of factors are:

Something you remember - Like a password or a memorized PIN.
Something you own- Like a smartphone, or a secure USB key.
Something you are - Like a fingerprint or facial recognition.

How is each method used?

Security info methods are used for both Multi-factor Authentication and Account Unlock / Self-Service password reset. However, not all methods can be used for both.

Method	Used for
Authenticator app	Two-factor verification, password reset, and account unlock authentication.
Text messages	Two-factor verification, password reset, and account unlock authentication.
Phone calls	Two-factor verification, password reset, and account unlock authentication.
Security key	Two-factor verification, password reset, and account unlock authentication.
Email account	Password reset and account unlock authentication only. You'll need to choose a different method for Multi-factor authentication.

PCCC Recommends registering multiple methods of authentication including personal email, a phone (cell, office, and/or home), security (FIDO Key), preferred authenticator app, and the Microsoft Authenticator App. You must have access to one of these methods when you sign in.