What is happening?
Over the next two months we will be introducing compulsory Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) at Sussex. Using MFA is an essential part of our cyber security programme and will help to protect Sussex’s IT systems, data and users from cyber-attack.
All University IT users (staff, students and others) will soon be required to provide a second means of verification when logging on to University systems and applications – including Outlook and all other Microsoft software.
This means that as well as entering your usual IT username and password, you will be prompted to provide an authentication code which is generated by an authenticator app on your smartphone.
Some of you may already be used to using MFA for other services, such as online banking, and may be familiar with using an MFA app. However, if this is something that you have not done before, don’t worry – it is quick and easy to set up. Keep an eye on your email inbox for the instructions that will be sent out over the next few weeks.
When is this happening?
ITS colleagues will be the first group to sign up to and start using MFA. They will help to make sure that everything is working correctly. After this, we’ll be approaching groups or ‘cohorts’ of users, one after another until the rollout is complete.
Each cohort will receive an email at the start of their sign-up period with instructions to set up MFA. There will then be a short window of time to set it up before MFA is switched on.
It is important that you set up your MFA promptly upon receiving the instructions to avoid being locked out of applications and software when MFA is switched on. If you are on leave or miss the sign-up window, when you next come to sign in you will be automatically directed to the instructions to set up MFA so that you can quickly access your applications and software.
Can I do this now?
We’ll let you know when it’s time for your group to sign-up to MFA but, if you want to get ahead of the curve, you’ll soon be able to sign up to MFA in advance too.
Look out for further details on how to sign up early on the Staff Hub and in This Week at Sussex.