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Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

Man smiling at phone

As part of your enrolment with us, you will need to complete something called Multi Factor Authentication, known as MFA.

Once you have registered with this service, you will receive a text with a secure code to enable you to log in to use the UEL online services. This keeps your account safe and secure. You only need to register once and you will need your username (for example MSmith) and password to hand.

You can choose to use the text message service or download an authentication app. 

When you visit a UEL service, such as the intranet, or Moodle for the first time, you will be asked to follow this process:

 

 

    When you sign in to a UEL service for the first time, suchas Track My Future, you will be asked to login with your username and password:



    Enter your details and click “Sign In”

    Step 1

    Next, you will be asked for “More information”



    Click “Next” to proceed

    Step 2

    You will now be offered a number of choices to set up as your Multifactor Authentication (MFA) method. The best choice is the Microsoft Authenticator App



    However, in this example, we’ll click “I want to set up a different method” to configure a phone for SMS Text messages

    Step 3


    From the drop-down list, choose “Phone” and click “Confirm”

    Step 4


    You will shortly receive a six digit code by SMS text message. Enter the code in the box provided, then click “Next”

    Step 5


    If you have entered the correct code, your phone has been verified. Click “Next”

    Step 6


    You have now set up one method of MFA. Click Done to finish and proceed with the login process.

    Step 7

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Maybe. If you register with your phone, while outside of the UK, you may not be able to receive SMS texts or calls when you arrive. So, register the Authenticator App as well, which does not require a signal or data. You can simply read the code off the app's screen and enter it by hand when logging in
    No. Do not delete the app, unless you have already registered alternative methods of MFA. You will need it to login to all UEL services
    If you lose or break your phone and this was the only method of authentication you had registered, you will not be able to use UEL services. However, provided you carry forward your phone number to your new phone, you will be able to receive SMS texts or voice calls on the new phone. Then, you can re-add the Authenticator App by going to prs.uel.ac.uk and choosing "Set-up MFA for the first time or update your details" at the bottom of the page, then follow the instructions
    Yes, we recommend this. You can register the Authenticator App on multiple devices, such as a tablet or spare phone. The tablet does not need a SIM or data connection. You can manually enter the code displayed on the app's screen when logging in
    The easiest to use is a Notification from the Authenticator App. This is a popup on your phone's screen you just need to tap to Accept. Next, you can manually enter the code displayed on the Authenticator App's screen. You can also receive an SMS text message, which like the Authenticator code, can be manually entered. Finally, you can receive a voice call, where all you need to do is tap "#", what Americans call the "pound sign", to accept. You will choose one of these methods as your default, but you can choose another method during login
    Yes. Go to prs.uel.ac.uk and choosing "Set-up MFA for the first time or update your details" at the bottom of the page, then follow the instructions. Here you can also add new devices and remove old one you no longer have
    When registering the Authenticator App, a QR code is displayed on the screen to simplify setup. If you are using the phone you intend to add the app to, you won't be able to scan the QR code during the process. Instead, use a PC or laptop during registration so you can scan the QR code easily. Alternatively, you can manually enter the QR code's ID number which you will find displayed next to the QR code
    No. The QR code is displayed on the screen only during setup. You can get a new code by going to prs.uel.ac.uk and choosing "Set-up MFA for the first time or update your details" at the bottom of the page, then follow the instructions
    No. UEL cannot see or change your MFA details, as they are secret to you. If you are unable to use MFA, contact Service Desk to have your MFA registration reset. You can then re-register by going to prs.uel.ac.uk and choosing "Set-up MFA for the first time or update your details" at the bottom of the page, then follow the instructions
    Yes. Sign up for Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) at prs.uel.ac.uk. Then, if your phone is stolen, you can immediately change your password to prevent the thief from accessing your account, if they already knew your password details
    Check out Microsoft's summary of Multifactor Authentication