Coast Information Services

Instructions and FAQs

Passwords, Usernames, and Login issues:

• What are the password requirements?
• How to reset your password using Microsoft Self-Service
• Why do I receive the following message when trying to log in? "This username may be incorrect."
• I'm entering the correct email address and password, but I keep receiving the following message. "Password is incorrect"
• I received an acceptance letter from my college. Why can’t I log in?
• How do I unlock my account after several unsuccessful attempts to login?

Multifactor Authentication (MFA):

• What Multifactor Authentication (MFA) methods can I use to with my account?
• How do I change or add additional MFA methods?
• How do I add or change my phone number for MFA via SMS Text Messaging?
• How do I add or change my phone number for MFA via a Phone Call?
• How to use a Mobile Authentication App for MFA?

1. What are the password requirements?

   Read "Microsoft Support Page: Create and use strong passwords"
   
   Your Coast password should contain at least 12 characters and contain characters from three of the following categories:
   
   • Uppercase letters (A through Z)
   • Lowercase letters (a through z)
   • Base 10 digits (0 through 9)
   • Non-alphanumeric characters (special characters): (~!@#$%^&*_-+=`|\(){}[]:;"'><,.?/)
     (Currency symbols such as the Euro or British Pound aren't counted as special characters for this policy setting.)
   
   The password should not contain:
   • Any part of your name or email.
   • Common words (i.e., school, campus, spring, summer, fall, 2021, 2022) that are often found in passwords.
   • Any password you have used before.
   
   * Passwords can only be changed once every 24 hours.
   
   

2. How to reset your password using Microsoft Self-Service - Microsoft Support

   Read "Microsoft Support Page: Reset your work or school password using security info"
   
   

3. Why do I receive the following message when trying to log in? "This username may be incorrect."

   • Please make sure you typed your username correctly and you have added any numbers included in your username.
   • It’s also possible your account is not active yet. Please wait and try to login at least 5 hours after receiving your acceptance letter.
   • If the problem continues, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance (714) 438–8111.
   
   
   

4. I’m entering the correct email address and password, but I keep receiving the following message. “Password is incorrect”

   Please ensure the Caps Lock is not enabled.
   
   If you continue to receive error messages, try to reset your password via self-service by clicking on PASSWORD RESET*.
   
   Contact the IT Service Desk for assistance (714) 438–8111 if this issue continues.
   
   

5. I received an acceptance letter from my college. Why can’t I log in?

   • It is possible the letter you received may have been sent out prior to the account being ready to use. Please wait a few hours after receiving your acceptance letter before trying to login .
   • If you are a RETURNING STUDENT, please try using your old/prior password.
   
   You may also try a password reset.
   PLEASE NOTE: If your account is not ready, the password reset will not work.
   
   If the problem continues, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance (714) 438–8111.
   
   
6. How do I unlock my account after several unsuccessful attempts to login?
   If your account indicates that it’s locked:
   • Please wait approximately 20 minutes and try again.
   • You can also attempt to change the password yourself.
   
   If the problem continues, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance (714) 438–8111.
   
   

7. What Multifactor Authentication (MFA) methods can I use to with my account?

   Current methods include:
   • SMS Text Messaging
   • Phone Call
   • Mobile Authentication App
   
   Sorry, multifactor authentication via email is not currently accepted.
   NOTICE: Coast highly recommends using at least two multifactor identity verification methods.
   
   

8. How do I change or add additional MFA methods?

   Read Microsoft Multifactor Authentication Enrollment Steps
   
   Follow the steps below to change your MFA methods:
   1. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
   2. Under "Security info" select Update info.
   3. Click on “+ Add sign-in method” to add a new MFA method. Follow the instructions.
   
   

9. How do I add or change my phone number for MFA via SMS Text Messaging?

   Read Set up SMS sign-in as a phone verification method
   
   Follow the steps below to change your phone number:
   
   1. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
   2. Under "Security info" select Update info.
   3. Click “Change” next to the current phone number and follow the instructions.
   
   
   

10. How do I add or change my phone number for MFA via a Phone Call?

    Read Set up a phone call as your verification method
    
    

11. How to use a Mobile Authentication App for MFA?

    We strongly encourage the use of a Mobile Authentication App for MFA.
    Read How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator
    
    Instructions:
    • How to use the Microsoft Authenticator app.
    • How to use the Google Authenticator app.
    
    You can also use Apple’s built-in authenticator tool; however, the most secure solution is to use one of the above authentication applications.