Two-factor authentication will be activated for all students at UiS

From 1th of November, UiS-IT will start rolling out two-factor authentication for all students at UiS when logging on to Microsoft services.

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What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication means that you use two factors (proof) to verify your identity at login. The two factors are normally  something you know, i.e. your password, and something you have, like a code chip or a mobile phone. In this context, the second factor is usually an app on your mobile phone. BankID is a typical example of a service with two-factor authentication.

Why does UiS require two-factor authentication?

The use of two-factor authentication makes it more difficult for unauthorized persons to gain access, even in cases where usernames and passwords are compromised. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security that can prevent abuse of your user account. Statistics show that two-factor authentication reduces the risk of abuse by 99.9%.

Get ready for two-factor authentication

You can do this yourself  on your Microsofts account page or follow the instructions you receive when you log on to a UiS Microsoft service.

We recommend that the following methods are configured in order of priority:

  1. Authentication via Microsoft Authenticator App
  2. Authentication via code by SMS

See the following article for the first time setup of two-factor authentication: How to get started with two-factor authentication.  

You can read more on the Microsoft Authenticator page.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

To avoid problems with authentication when switching phones, it's a good idea to install the app on your new phone while you still have your old one in use. That way, you'll always be able to authenticate yourself in the transition to a new phone.

We recommend that you set up SMS as an alternative method of authentication, then you will be able to log in with code from SMS if you have changed / lost phone and not been able to set up the app on a new phone.

This may vary depending on what equipment you use and where you are, but the normal interval at UiS is every 7 days.

If you are lucky, you won't have to authenticate yourself the day you have forgotten your mobile phone at home. If your phone is unavailable, contact IT help.

We recommend the "Microsoft Authenticator" app with one-touch approval for Android and iOS. Google Authenticator, Yubico Authenticator and a number of other similar apps also work, but then with six-digit code and not one tap. UiS-IT is only able to offer support on Microsoft Authenticator.

There are several possible reasons for this. Here are some tips:

  • If you have set up deletion of browsing data when closing your browser, this may mean that you will need to use two-factor authentication every time you log in.
  • If you use Google Chrome, you can install the Windows 10 Accounts extension, which helps in some cases.
  • There is a similar extension for Firefox, but it requires administrative privileges and technical understanding.
  • If you use private browsing mode (incognito mode) in your browser, you must log in every single time, as authentication history is not stored in this mode.
  • If you frequently log in and out of VPNs and/or use browsers such as Tor Browser, you will more often be asked to log in.
  • Microsoft has created a video that provides more technical information about how the solution works.

If you have questions or need help, you can contact UiS-IT on tel. 51833000 or by e-mail to it-hjelp@uis.no.

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