Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your University accounts. It's sometimes also called two-step verification or two-factor authentication (2FA). You'll occasionally need to provide an additional form of identification to sign in – for example, a code sent to your mobile phone.
MFA increases security for access to University systems, such as your Exchange Online email accounts, OneDrive and other Microsoft applications.
You'll need to set up your second factors for authentication when you first sign into your account. After that, you'll need to use one of these factors occasionally to confirm your identity when accessing your account.
What you need to do
You need to set up your second factors for authentication.
To ensure you don’t lose access to your account, you should set up at least two authentication methods. We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app on mobile devices, but there are several options.
Authentication methods
Choose from:
- Notifications or codes from the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app – this is our recommended option and works over wifi as well as mobile connections.
- Codes sent in text messages to a mobile phone – it doesn't need to be a smartphone
- Calls to a landline or mobile phone
- Codes from a hardware token
If you're unable to use any of these methods, please contact the UIS Service Desk.
When you'll need to use a second factor
Once set up, you’ll need to use a second factor if you:
-
start a new web browser session
-
log in using a new device
-
change your password
-
add your University email account to a new email application
Logging in via the University's VPN may also trigger a request for an authentication code because it will be seen as a different location.
Update your authentication settings on your email apps
You may need to update the settings on email apps you use to access your University email account after you've set up MFA.
Manage your authentication methods
You can change, remove and update authentication methods in your University Microsoft account.
Find out how to manage your multi-factor authentication methods.
Get help
If you experience any difficulties logging in or lose your second factor, please contact the UIS Service Desk.