Posted on Author Carden IT Services LLC Categories Security

Microsoft to Require Multi-Factor Authentication for All Microsoft 365 Users

Microsoft has announced that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will soon become mandatory for every Microsoft 365 user. Once enforced, users must verify their identity using a second method—usually through a mobile device—before they can sign in to their accounts.

As online threats grow more advanced, Microsoft is taking this step to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Although this security upgrade offers significantly better protection, some users have voiced concerns—particularly about needing to use their personal phone numbers.

In this guide, we’ll break down how MFA works, address common questions, and explain why the Microsoft Authenticator app is the most secure and convenient way to meet these new requirements.

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Posted on Author Carden IT Services LLC Categories IT Support

The Many Ways To Set Out of Office Replies in Outlook

Whether you’re stepping away for a business trip, taking a well-earned vacation, or simply need some uninterrupted work time, it’s important to manage your inbox without leaving contacts in the dark. That’s where Microsoft Outlook’s Out of Office (OOO) auto-reply feature comes in handy.

An Out of Office response is an automatic email notification that informs senders you’re unavailable and won’t be responding immediately. Outlook gives you the ability to schedule start and end dates, write custom messages for coworkers and external contacts, and even provide alternate contact information while you’re away.

Many users don’t realize there are several ways to set up these automatic replies in Outlook—and you can do it yourself without needing IT support. Here’s a step-by-step guide for setting up your OOO message on desktop, web, and mobile devices.

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