The University is adding an extra layer of security to protect students and staff from cybercrime.

UofG is now rolling out multi-factor authentication, initially for Office 365 services. This adds an additional short step to your login process, which will make it significantly more difficult for an attacker to access your account, even if they manage to discover your username and password.

When your account has been enabled to use multi-factor authentication, you will need to confirm your identity using a mobile device when logging into selected University digital services. In the first instance this will protect Microsoft 365 services including email and over time, other services will be added.

When will this happen for me?

You can opt-in now on the multi-factor authentication web pages.

Later this year you will be required to upgrade if you have not done so already. You will be notified in advance when it is time for the roll out in your area.

How does it work?

Once multi-factor authentication has been activated you will be prompted to verify your account. There are step by step set-up instructions on the multi-factor authentication set-up page.
We recommend using the Microsoft authenticator app as the most secure and convenient method to verify your identity. Alternatively, a text message with a code can be used for older mobile phones.

Why do I need to use multi-factor authentication?

Cyber criminals often obtain passwords by phishing or guessing. The second layer of security protects your account so that even if someone else obtains your password, they are unlikely to also have your second step, e.g. your phone. This is considered best practice by IT security and industry professionals and has been approved by the University.

What is multi-factor authentication?

Multi-factor authentication is a method of confirming users' claimed identities by, in our case, using a combination of two distinct factors:

  1. something you know (username and password)
  2. something you have (a device - mobile phone or tablet)

Find out more from the multi-factor authentication web pages

First published: 29 March 2021

<< 5 April 2021


Opt-in now on the multi-factor authentication web pages