Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) increases the security of access to services by requiring multiple forms of verification.

What is MFA and when to use it?

MFA is used for extra security in addition to your university password. MFA is required to approve access to a number of remote access services (such as VPN, Virtual desktop and Remote desktop).

We are encouraging all staff and students to set up MFA.

You can watch our introduction and set up video below.

Instructions to set up MFA

Follow the steps below to set up MFA and link your university account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (recommended).

Getting started - you will need

Registering to use MFA

In order to set up the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) service, you will need:

A computer, such as desktop/laptop PC or Macbook, which will be used to set up your MFA account
A mobile device (SIM-enabled smartphone or tablet/iPad), which will be used to approve access requests via MFA
Your University login details

You will then need to

Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device
Set up your university account on the MFA service

Follow the steps below to link your University account to the Microsoft Authenticator app (recommended).

Step 1 - Install Microsoft Authenticator from your app store (on your mobile device)

We recommend the 'Microsoft Authenticator' app because it is the only authenticator application that supports push notifications, which are required by some services and offers the best experience.

You may first need to set up an account on the relevant app store in order to download the app.

Google Play (Android)
Apple App Store (iOS)

Download and learn more on the Microsoft website.

If you are unable to use the 'Microsoft Authenticator' app, we can suggest some alternative apps and methods to approve MFA requests. Further information can be found here (log in required).

Step 2 - Configure MFA (on your computer and mobile device)

Once the 'Microsoft Authenticator' app is installed on your mobile device, visit the MFA configuration page, by clicking the below button, on your computer.

Configure MFA

You will need to login using your University email address and password. If you haven't setup MFA previously, you will then be prompted to enter additional information.
Click Next. This will take you directly to the 'Additional security verification' webpage.
You will then be asked 'How should we contact you?' Select 'Mobile App' from the drop down menu, and check the option for 'Receive notifications for verification'
Click on the 'Set up' button. The Configure mobile app screen will appear with a QR code for you to scan with the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device, select Add account (+) on the Accounts screen and then Work or school account.
Choose 'Scan QR code'. Use your mobile device's camera to scan the code displayed on your computer.

Note: You may be prompted to allow the app to access the camera on your mobile device. Please choose allow (or similar). If your camera isn't working properly, you can enter the QR code and URL manually.
On your computer, click 'Next' on the Configure mobile app screen, and 'Next' again on the 'Additional security verification screen'.
A notification will be sent to the app on your mobile device. Click 'Approve'
Once approved, you will be prompted on your computer to enter a mobile phone number. It is highly recommended that you complete this.
Enter your mobile phone number.

Note: Users with a Chinese mobile phone number should not enter their phone number, and just click 'Finished'.
Click 'Finished'.
The setup up is complete. Sign out by clicking on the email address in the top right-hand corner.

Top tip: when using MFA to approve sign in requests, we recommend having the app open and ready.

If you are unable to use the 'Microsoft Authenticator' app, we can suggest some alternative apps and methods to approve MFA requests. Further information can be found here (log in required).