About multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security when you log in to your University IT account.
What is MFA?
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security on top of your username and password. It’s sometimes called two-factor authentication (2FA).
With MFA, you provide at least two pieces of evidence at login to verify your identity:
- Something you know: a password, pin or passphrase.
- Something you have: a physical device you have with you when you're logging in, for example a mobile device or hardware token.
This means anyone trying to hack into your University account would need to have both your password and your chosen physical device to gain access.
This simple change has effectively eliminated account compromises arising from stolen passwords (for example phishing and password reuse on hacked external websites).
MFA protects your personal information as well as the University’s network.
Who needs to use MFA?
MFA is mandatory on all University IT accounts.
When you join the University, your IT account is automatically enrolled in MFA.
The first time you try to log in to your University IT account using MUSE (our sign-in service), you’ll be prompted to set up MFA.