Multi-factor Authentication : Services : ITS : University of Sussex

Multi-factor Authentication

What is MFA?

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is an extra secure sign in process that requires the user to provide an additional verification factor to gain access.

How does MFA work?

MFA works by combining something you know (username and password) with something you have (an app on a phone, a finger print, email with a code in it or similar). This means that even if someone gets hold of your login details, they still cannot access your account as they don't have the other verification factor (your phone for example).

You may already be familiar with MFA as it’s commonly used for banking and shopping applications. It will enable the University to safeguard our personal and work data and to protect our systems from outside interference or cyber attack. Full details of how this will work will be released in due course.

How to set up MFA

To complete your Okta Multi-factor Authentication set up you must download an app onto your smartphone. ITS supports the use of Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator, but recommends using Okta Verify.

Please follow one of the links below for guidance;