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Issue
When I attempt to login to my email using my CCS Account, I get a locked message.
"Your account is temporarily locked to prevent unauthorized use. Try again later, and if you still have trouble, contact your admin."
- Smart Lockout Message: 5 failed attempts → 15-minute lockout.
Cause
You may see a Smart Lockout message when attempting to sign in after multiple failed sign‑in attempts.
This typically occurs when Microsoft detects a high number of incorrect password attempts against your account in a short period of time. To protect your account, Microsoft temporarily locks sign‑in attempts for a short period of time. This security measure helps prevent unauthorized access and does not mean your account has been successfully accessed.
- Scenario 1 - A bad actor may be using an automated brute‑force sign‑in attempt with your CCS Account , where a script is repeatedly trying common or leaked passwords.
- Scenario 2 - I am working from home on a CCS Computer, and I recently updated my password using Self-Service Password Reset.
When you sign-in to your work computer, it remembers your username and password. This helps you log into websites automatically — called Single Sign-On (SSO). If your computer password doesn’t match what the website expects, the login won’t work. See Challenges
Solution
1. ⏳ Wait for the Lockout Duration (Recommended)
- The lockout period is 15 minutes.
- After this time, the account will automatically unlock if no further failed attempts occur.
- This is the quickest option if you remember your password.
- Contact the helpdesk (Call: 614-365-8425) if your account is still locked after waiting 15 minutes.
2. 🛠️ Account Recovery using SSPR
- Go to https://aka.ms/sspr.
- Select “Can’t access your account?” or “I forgot my password.”
- Enter your user ID and complete the CAPTCHA.
- Follow the prompts to verify your identity using your registered authentication method (e.g., phone, email, security questions).
- Reset your password: Choose “I forgot my password”, the lockout timer is reset to 0 seconds, allowing immediate access.
- Set and confirm your new password.
📝 Notes:
- You must be registered for SSPR to use this feature. If you haven’t registered, contact the CCS Service Desk.
- Smart Lockout intelligently tracks failed attempts across familiar and unfamiliar locations, so unlocking via SSPR is often faster and more reliable than waiting for the lockout to expire.
- If the lockout expires and you can successfully log in, check out your "Recent Activity" to verify any suspicious activity on your account.