How To Use Multi-Factor Authentication with a Hardware Token (Staff / Faculty)

Summary

Step-by-step guide to using multi-factor authentication (MFA) with a hardware token.

Body

Before Starting

Summary 

The Microsoft Authenticator app (on iPhone or Android) is the most secure and recommended method for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). However, this may not be a viable method for some staff or students and a hardware token has been made available. 

This article is for anyone that has elected to use a hardware token for MFA at Trinity Western University

Steps at a Glance 

  1. Sign in to the applicable TWU application or web page using your TWU account  

  1. After entering your username and password, you will be prompted to Enter the code displayed on your authentication token 

  1. Press the button labelled Press on the back of the token 

  1. Notice the 6-digit code displayed on the front screen 

  1. Enter the 6-digit code at the sign-in screen and click Verify 

CLICK HERE to view a video of all the steps being completed.

 

Signing in Using a Hardware Token for MFA

Your hardware token is pre-activated by IT upon being issued to you. ​​​​

  1. Go to twu.ca/email and sign in using your TWU account 

    Note: while this example uses twu.ca/email, these steps can be performed anywhere you use your TWU credentials. 
    ​​​​​
     

  2. After entering your username and password, you will be prompted to Enter the code displayed on your authentication token

     
  3. Press the button labelled "Press" on the back of the token 

     
  4. Notice the 6-digit code displayed on the front screen after you press the button

     
  5. Enter the 6-digit code at the sign-in screen and click Verify

Once all of these steps are completed, your sign in is complete. ​​​

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the code doesn’t work? 

  • The code changes every 60-seconds perpetually, regardless of the screen being on or off. This means that you may activate the screen in the final seconds of the current code, and it changes between when you look at it and when you type it into your sign-in screen.  Simply view the screen to obtain the new code and try again. 

Do I need to carry the hardware token with me all the time? 

  • For security and convenience, it is recommended to have your hardware token with you at all times that you may be signing in to TWU resources. 

Finding Support

If you need assistance or are having technical difficulties, you can (1) review our MFA Knowledge Base Articles or (2) file a ticket and ask for support via the Service Hub.

Details

Details

Article ID: 161000
Created
Wed 8/7/24 6:24 PM
Modified
Fri 10/4/24 11:00 AM