CIA Student account activation

Updated on Jun 06, 2025

CIA uses Single Sign on accounts. This means that one account will give you access to:

Lab Computers
Email
WiFi networks
myCIA
Emergency notification

With this in mind it is essential to follow the steps for First Time Account Activation with Microsoft 365.

Only follow these instructions after you have received your CIA email address.

1. Login to Microsoft

In a web browser open http://microsoft365.com/
Log in with your CIA credentials (email and password)
Enter your CIA email
Select 'Next'
Enter the provided "Temporary Password"
Select 'Continue'

2. Setup Multifactor Authentication

This step is part of the process. Don't skip the instructions.

Stand alone process for existing accounts Multifactor Authentication (MFA) setup Article

What is multi-factor authentication?

"MFA is quite simple, and organizations are focusing more than ever on creating a smooth user experience. In fact, you probably already use it in some form. For example, you've used MFA if you've:

swiped your bank card at the ATM and then entered your PIN (personal ID number).
logged into a website that sent a numeric code to your phone, which you then entered to gain access to your account.

MFA, sometimes referred to as two-factor authentication or 2FA, is a security enhancement that allows you to present two pieces of evidence your credentials when logging in to an account. Your credentials fall into any of these three categories: something you know (like a password or PIN), something you have (like a smart card), or something you are (like your fingerprint). Your credentials must come from two different categories to enhance security so entering two different passwords would not be considered multi-factor."

Excerpt from https://www.nist.gov/itl/tig/back-basics-multi-factor-authentication

Get Authenticator - Required

MFA for your CIA account requires an Authenticator App. You can use whichever app you prefer.

Download Microsoft Authenticator
Continue after installing Microsoft Authenticator app
Continue with your preferred app
Choose a different method

1. Downloading the Microsoft Authenticator

If you don't have the microsoft Authenticator installed then using the link launches their website with instructions.

2. Continue setup with Microsoft Authenticator App

Scan the App or Enter a code
Select 'Next'

Select 'Done'
Approve the Sign in Request

3. Update Your Password

Your temporary password is only to log in and activate your CIA Student account.
You will be required to create a new password.
The new password will be your password for your CIA Student account.
CIA Passwords are required to be updated every 180 days (6 months).

Enter the "Temporary Password"
Enter "Your New Password"
Confirm "Your New Password"
Select 'Sign in'

The first time you log into Microsoft you will be required to Change Your Password.

Learn more about accessing CIA accounts with Microsoft

4. Create your security questions

Security Questions are used for Identity Verification

When a user forgets their password or gets locked out of their account, answering pre-set security questions helps verify their identity before allowing a password reset.

Tips for your answers to the security questions:

Do not use the same answer for multiple questions
Repeating answers weakens your account security.
Do not use a password as an answer
Security questions are not a substitute for strong passwords.
Five questions are required
Be prepared to answer all five during setup.
Answers are not case-sensitive
Cleveland and cleveland are treated the same.
Special characters such as @ # & * will be ignored
Stick to letters and numbers for best results.
Do not share your questions and answers with anyone
Treat them like passwords, keep them private.
Blank answers will not be accepted
All questions must be answered to complete setup.