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.
What are the benefits of MFA?
- 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
Why is MFA being enforced?
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 the second half of 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.
Is there a grace period to enable MFA before it is mandatory?
MFA enrollment is already available for all staff and students. The use would be mandatory towards the end of the first term. From that point on all accounts will have a 30-calendar day grace period to enroll in MFA
What are my options for MFA?
- [Best] Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone
- [Optional] Authenticator extension on your browser
- [Optional] Google Authenticator or any other authenticator of your choice.
The University supports these options set out for using MFA:
Getting the Microsoft Authenticator app
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