Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication is a security process that requires you to provide two or more different types of information to confirm your identity when logging into your account.

For example, when you login to your London Met account, you are required to provide your username and password. With MFA instead of just entering a username and password, you would also have to enter a code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for someone else to access your account, even if they know your password.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will now become mandatory to protect the University. 

The National Cyber Security Centre provides additional information on why you should use multi-factor authentication.

• Validate your identity
• If your password is compromised, the additional verification step makes it difficult for attackers to gain access
• Helps protect access to London Met information
• Provides increased protection against cyber attacks

In 2024, the UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey revealed that 50% of UK businesses had suffered a cyber-attack or security breach in the previous 12 months. It is vital to step up our security to protect London Met from cyber-attacks.

Additionally, Microsoft is implementing mandatory MFA for sign ins in December 2024.

Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the security of our data. It has become an essential measure, not just optional.

MFA enrollment is already available for all staff and students. The use would be mandatory from December 2024. All accounts will then have a 30-calendar day grace period to enroll in MFA.

The University supports these options set out for using MFA:

1. [Best] Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone
2. [Optional] Authenticator extension on your browser
3. [Optional] Google Authenticator or any other authenticator of your choice.

You can download the Microsoft authenticator app from Appstore or Play store depending on your mobile device. Your mobile device is expected to be:

• Android 8.0 and later
• iOS 15 or later
• Windows 10 Mobile 14393.0 or later

Read our detailed guide on Multi-Factor Authentication Guidance for Students for step by step instructions.

The Techsmart team, based in our libraries, can help you get up and running if you have any questions about MFA.  Alternatively, you can access support via our IT Help Chat or log a request in the FreshService self-service portal.