Queries about MFA

Answers to your question about multi-factor authentication (MFA).

On

Common queries

What is MFA, and how do I enrol?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security when you log in to your ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý IT account. 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 logging in, for example, a mobile device or hardware token.

For information on how to enrol, visit our setting up MFA pages.

What should I do if after setting up MFA it keeps asking me for a passcode?
  1. Log in to the
  2. Enter your ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý username and password
  3. Select 'Log in'
  4. On the Duo Device Management page, select 'Call Me'
  5. When you receive a call to your mobile device, press '1' on your mobile device keypad
  6. The Duo device management page will show your currently registered Duo devices
  7. Click 'Device Options' next to your listed mobile device
  8. Click the 'Reactivate Duo Mobile' button
  9. Continue to follow the instructions on your screen
How do I set up MFA for a new account with a previously registered number when I get the message 'number cannot be added' ?

You should contact IT help and support on +44 114 222 1111 and provide the following information where applicable:

  • previous username (e.g ELP21XZ)
  • previously registered phone number
  • full name
  • previous department
  • previous registration number
  • date of birth
  • new username
  • new department
  • new registration number

After speaking to IT help and support, you will receive an activation text with information on what to do next.

How do I register a new phone with the same number if MFA won’t recognise it?
  1. Log in to the
  2. Enter your ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý username and password
  3. Select 'Log in'
  4. On the Duo Device Management page, select 'Call Me'
  5. When you receive a call to your mobile device, press '1' on your mobile device keypad
  6. The Duo Device Management page will show your currently registered Duo devices.
  7. Click 'Device Options' next to your listed mobile device.
  8. Click the 'Reactivate Duo Mobile' button.
  9. Continue to follow the instructions on your screen.
How can I register a new device with a new number if I have kept my previous device?
  1. Log in to the
  2. Enter your ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý username and password
  3. Select 'Log in'
  4. On the Duo Device Management page, select 'Send Me a Push'
  5. Please select ‘Approve’ on your old device
  6. The Duo Device Management page will show ‘My Settings & Devices’
  7. Select ‘+ Add another device’
  8. Continue to follow the instructions on your screen
What should I do if I cannot install the Duo Mobile app?

All  mobile phones running iOS 14 or Android 10 or above can install the Duo app. If you cannot do this, contact IT help and support on +44 114 222 1111 for assistance.

General questions about MFA

Can I opt out of setting up MFA?

No. It is ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý policy that all staff and students must have their IT accounts protected with MFA.

Do I need a smartphone or data plan to use MFA?

If you are unable to use a smartphone you can request a hardware token or security key and contact IT help and support on +44 114 222 1111 for assistance.

Which services do I need to use MFA for?

You need MFA to verify access for the following services:

  • all services accessed through MUSE
  • off-campus access to the
  • the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý
Do I need to verify my identity with MFA every time I sign in?

Once enrolled in MFA, you'll be prompted to use it whenever you log into MUSE. 

You have the option to remember your device for seven days on the same or browser. The 'Is this your device?' check for MFA works for web services, such as your browser. If you use multiple devices and browsers, you'll need to select the option to remember your device on each browser.

Read more about remembering your devic

If you use the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý's , your device will not be remembered. When your VPN connection ends, you will need to log in again using MFA when you reconnect to VPN.

Can I use other authentication apps such as Microsoft or Google?

No. The Duo Mobile app is the only app that is approved for MFA.

Duo Mobile app

Why have I received a push notification when I haven't tried to log in?

You must deny the request and report it to IT help and support on +44 114 222 1111.

Your password may have been compromised. Someone may be trying to log in to your ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý IT account.

Is the Duo Mobile app safe and secure?

The Information Security team in IT Services has tested the security and privacy of the app. It is safe to use on personal devices. It does not provide the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý or any external parties with access to your device's data, including contacts, photos, text messages or emails.

Duo Mobile needs some device permissions:

  •  

For more details, see .

Can Duo see my password?

No. Your password is verified by the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý’s account systems and never sent to Duo or seen by anyone at the ÀÖ¾ºÌåÓý.