Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is being introduced at Sussex, and now is a great time for you to set it up. Staff members are already using the system and we are now asking all students to set up an authenticator app on their smartphone, ready for when MFA is switched on over the coming weeks.

If you are a new student in 2024 and you have not already set up your MFA, please follow the instructions below.

If you are a returning student, you will soon receive emails explaining how MFA works, what you need to do to set it up, and when you will need to have completed the set-up process.

If you would like to save time later and set up your authenticator app now, please follow these instructions. We recommend using the Okta Verify app, but if you already have Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator or FreeOTP installed on your phone and prefer to use one of these, you can find instructions for these apps on the ITS MFA webpage.

You will need both your computer and smartphone to set up your MFA. We advise opening the instructions on your computer to avoid having to switch back and forth between apps on your phone during the set-up process.

What is MFA?

MFA is an essential part of our cyber security programme and will help protect Sussex’s IT systems, data and users from cyber-attack.

When the rollout is complete, all University IT users (staff, students and others) will periodically be prompted to provide a second authentication factor when logging on to key University systems and applications – including Outlook and all other Microsoft software.

This means that in addition to entering your usual IT username and password, you will be required to use an authenticator app on your smartphone to verify your identity. 

When will MFA be enabled?

MFA is being rolled out gradually for students and you will receive emailed communications from IT Services over the coming weeks that will include your MFA switch-on date and a link to the set-up instructions.

Find out more

For more information about MFA, and how to get help if you encounter any issues when setting it up, please visit the ITS MFA webpage.