Set up the Proton Authenticator app

Proton Authenticator is a free authentication app available for download on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. Because it works with Windows and Mac, it is the perfect solution for people who don't currently have a cell phone to complete the authentication process. Once configured, you can use the app to generate the 6-digit verification code needed to sign-in to your Buffalo State accounts. To get started, download and install the Proton Authenticator app on your device and then proceed with the steps below.

Add your Buffalo State account

1. Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft My Security Info page to update your MFA options. 
2. Click Add sign-in method and select Microsoft Authenticator.

3. On the next screen, click the Set up a different authentication app link at the bottom.

4. On the Set up your account in app screen that appears, click Next. Then, on the Scan the QR code screen, click the Can't scan the QR code? link at the bottom. Keep this window open while you proceed to the next steps!

5. Open the Proton Authenticator app and click Create new code.

Note: If possible, place the Enter code manually window and the Proton app window side-by-side as depicted by the image below. If you can't place these windows side-by-side, you will need to switch back and forth between these two windows to complete the next step.

6. From the Enter code manually window, click the Copy name link and paste it into the Title field on the Proton New code window. Repeat this same process for the Copy key link, pasting it into the Secret field on the new Proton New code window. Enter Buffalo State in the Issuer field. Click Next on the Enter code manually window and Save code on the New code window, but DON'T close these windows until the final step below is completed!

7. The Proton app now displays a card for your Buffalo State account with a 6-digit verification code that changes every 30-seconds. Click the card to copy the one-time code to the clipboard. Important! To complete the setup process, you must paste this code into the Enter the code box in the other window. Click Next to complete the setup process.

8. To make Proton Authenticator your primary verification method, return to the Microsoft My Security Info page, click Change and then choose App based authentication or hardware token - code from drop-down. Click Confirm to save the change.

Use the Proton Authenticator app to sign-in

Now that you've configured the Proton Authenticator app, you can use it to access your Buffalo State accounts.

1. If you have Proton Authenticator set it as your default verification method, simply copy and paste the one-time code from the Proton app during sign-in.

1. If you have another option set it as your default verification method, you will need to click the Use a different verification option link first.

Sync codes across multiple devices (optional)

If you have multiple devices - phone, laptop, tablet - you can install Proton Authenticator on these devices and then sync your codes across them. In order to do this, follow these steps on the Proton website to set up a Proton account. Important! When creating your Proton account, use your PERSONAL email address. DO NOT use your BUFFALO STATE email address!