Security and Sign-in Requirements- Accessing Company Data

To help keep your account and company data safe, we’ve added some security rules that might occasionally prompt you to verify your identity or sign in again—especially when you're using certain devices or signing in from specific locations. Here’s what you might notice:

• Multi-factor verification: You may be asked to use your authentication app (like Microsoft Authenticator) when accessing Office apps or signing in from a new device or location.

• Session timeout reminders: If you're using a personal device or one that doesn't meet company security requirements, you’ll be asked to sign in again every 5 days.

  ⚠️ In some cases, sign-ins may be required even more frequently if Microsoft detects your session as potentially high-risk based on behavioral signals (e.g., unusual location, device anomalies, or sign-in patterns).

• Limited access on personal or unmanaged devices: If your device does not meet our Device Health and Security Baselines, access to some services (like downloading files or accessing Office apps) may be limited or blocked.

  Device Health Criteria:

  • BitLocker: Required

  • Secure Boot: Required

  • Code Integrity: Required (macOS)- On by default

  Device Properties:

  • Minimum OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 or macOS 12

• International access restrictions: By default, access to company data from outside the U.S. is blocked unless prior approval is granted. You will also be unable to register a new multi-factor authentication (MFA) device while abroad.

• Email forwarding restrictions: Automatically forwarding emails from your company account to a personal email address is not allowed. This is to protect sensitive information and ensure communications remain secure and within company-managed systems.

• ✈️ Planning travel? Please submit a ticket in advance so we can temporarily allow access and MFA registration during your approved timeframe.

📩 To request international access or get help with sign-in issues, please send an e-mail to support@smithchason.edu.

We understand these extra steps might be inconvenient, but they are essential to protect your account, your data, and the overall security of the organization.