Multi-Factor Authentication
What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security system that protects our university from cyber criminals.
In addition to your ARU Username and password, we require all ARU members to register an extra method of identity verification, so that we can make sure it is you and only you that is accessing your account.
MFA has been applied to most of our university systems and you will be prompted to approve sign in requests whenever logging in.
New to ARU? You need to change your password and register for MFA
It is important that you read our guidance resources and watch our instructional videos before attempting to change your password and register for MFA.
Before you register for MFA you will need to download the Microsoft Authenticator App to your personal mobile device.
Step 1: Download the Microsoft Authenticator App
NOTE: If you do not have a device to download this to you can register a phone number. You will find guidance below after you have changed your password.
To download the app:
- On your device, navigate to your App or Play Store
- Search Microsoft Authenticator App and download the app
Once downloaded this app will need to remain on your phone for the duration of your time with us.
Step 2. Change your password
When you log in for the first time, you will need to change your password and register for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).We recommend that you complete this on a laptop/PC device.
Your new password should be:
- unique to your ARU Network account (i.e. not reused on other services)
- at least ten characters long
- and contain characters from three of the following categories:
- Lowercase letters (a, b, c)
- Uppercase letters (A, B, C)
- Numerals (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
- Special characters. Examples include ( ) ` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * - + = \ { } [ ] ; " ' < /> , . ? _
Video - changing your password
Step 3. Register for Multi-Factor Authentication
Once you have successfully changed your password, you will be prompted to register for MFA.
Video - Registering for MFA via the Authenticator App
NOTE: If you cannot download the Microsoft Authenticator App, you can register a phone number.
Step 4: Register your phone number
Once you have completed your MFA registration it is important that you also register your phone number. This is just in case you lose access to your app and need to approve a sign in request.
Video – MFA via phone number (Additional Method)
Register for MFA
Register for Multi-factor Authentication
MFA number matching
When you sign into your ARU account/Application that requires MFA approval, you'll see a set of numbers displayed on the sign-in screen.
You will need to open your Microsoft Authenticator app and enter in the numbers displayed on the sign-in screen.
Once you've matched the numbers, you'll be logged into your account.