What Is MFA and Why Do We Use It?
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is an important security measure that protects your account even if your password is compromised (or forgotten).
Using MFA means that your account requires another device in order to log in (such as your phone).
In order to protect the security of yourself, and others, MFA is required to access your CBU accounts.
How to MFA
Setting Up
To start using MFA, you will require another device.
If you have a smartphone, you can set up MFA using the steps here.
If you do not have a smartphone, you can contact IT Services for a token using the steps here.
Resetting
To change the device you use for MFA, and still have access to your device, you can follow the steps here.
If your device was lost, stolen, or damaged you can request an MFA reset from IT Services directly either on campus, or by emailing it_services@cbu.ca.
If MFA is not working for some other reason, you can email IT Services (it_services@cbu.ca) and explain your problem, or bring your malfunctioning device to the help desk.
You will be required to provide your Student ID, Date of Birth, full name, CBU Email, and Personal Email when resetting MFA so we can confirm your identity.
Troubleshooting MFA
If you are having issues with MFA, you can try the following options before reaching out to IT Services:
1. Restart your smartphone and/or authenticator application.
2. Update your authenticator application.
3. Try using a onetime password to confirm your identity through the authenticator app.
4. Wait 5 minutes and then try to log in again.
If these options do not work, please reach out to IT Services via it_services@cbu.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to change the device I use for MFA?
Yes. You can change the device you use to confirm MFA using the steps followed here.
Do I need to have MFA?
MFA helps protect your account, and the accounts of other students, staff, and faculty from potentially devastating cyberattacks. In order to protect the community, it is mandatory that all CBU accounts are linked to a device. If you do not have a phone or another device, we can issue you a temporary fob, which you will use to approve MFA.
What is a one-time password code?
One-time password codes are an alternative method of confirming MFA if there is an issue confirming sign-in notifications. You can access these by clicking on your email/account on the homepage of the authenticator application. One-time password codes cannot be reused and delete after 30 seconds.
For More Security Tips
Security and Safety
Updating
Checking and Dealing with Issues
Contact Us
If you are having difficulty, please reach us at it_services@cbu.ca. It is preferred you use email or come in-person when experiencing difficulties with MFA to confirm your identity.
Additionally, you can check out the Microsoft Webpage for common MFA issues if you are having trouble with your Authenticator App.