Overview/Introduction
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a login or credential verification practice that adds an extra layer of protection on top of your user name and password.
*Please note: If you've reached this page due to a new phone purchase, or switching to a new phone, you may need to contact Ursinus Tech Support at 610-409-3789. Tech Support may need to reset your MFA settings in order for you to proceed in setting up your new device.
Details
What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a login or credential verification practice that adds an extra layer of protection on top of your user name and password. With MFA, when you sign into certain applications or college systems, you will be prompted for your user name and password (the first factor) and then will be prompted for additional authentication communicated through your MFA device (the second factor). The MFA device most often is your personal cell phone or email.
When will I be prompted to use it?
When you sign in to VPN from off-campus and when you connect to certain applications (e.g. Canvas, Colleague, Office 365) on and off campus.
How do I set up multi-factor authentication?
• Go to ursinus.okta.com and sign in using your Ursinus username and password.
• Select your name in the top navigation menu and choose Settings.
• Under Extra Verification, choose the verification method you wish to use and click Setup. Options include:
- Okta Verify: With this method, you install the Okta Verify app on your mobile device. You will have the option to have an authorization ‘pushed’ to your device, or you can choose to receive a code. Follow the instructions to choose your mobile device type (i.e., Apple or Android), open the Okta Verify app on your mobile device, and walk through the choices and setup steps.
- Security Key or Biometric Authenticator. (For special cases only. Send a request to Tech Support if you'd like to use this method).
- SMS Authentication - Follow the instructions by providing your cell phone number and clicking Send Code. You will receive a text message. Enter that code when prompted and select Verify.
• ***We strongly suggest that you set up (at least) two authentication methods (e.g. you want the option of using the Okta Verify app and receiving an SMS text message). This will make it easier to reconnect new devices when you get a new phone or change devices independently and quickly. If you ONLY use one method you've already changes devices you will need to visit Tech Support to address Multi-factor Authentication lockout issues. If you visit the OKTA Verify portal before or while transferring and you only have one option chosen you can remove the option ahead of the phone change to help avoid lockout issues.***
What do I need to do when multi-factor authentication is triggered?
• If you are using Okta Verify, a push notification will be sent to the mobile app that you will need to verify.
• If you are using SMS Authentication, you will receive a text message on your mobile device and will need to enter that code when prompted.
How do I test or verify my settings?
• After completing MFA setup, logout of Okta.
• Log back into Okta (connect.ursinus.edu) using your Ursinus username and password.
• Select your name in the top navigation menu, choose Settings, and click the Edit Profile button.
• You will have to verify your password and will then be prompted for MFA verification.
• After successful MFA verification, your Okta profile will appear, along with the ability to edit your settings..
FAQs
If you have more than one MFA factor configured, use the dropdown to change methods. This is especially useful when you get a new phone, but have the same phone number. Choosing SMS Authentication allows you to authenticate on the new phone and reset your Okta Verify.
See Also