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Illinois State University

How to Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Last Modified: April 22, 2021
Service: Accounts and Security
Article #: 6363

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication

Once you have been informed of your eligibility, you will need to enable your account for Multi-factor Authentication (MFA). Multi-Factor Authentication can be enabled through the ULID Account Management page. The following steps will guide you through the process of enabling MFA:

  1. Go to ULID Account Management and log in with your ULID and Password.
  2. Next to the Multi Factor Authentication section, click the Enable link (figure 1).

Figure 1:

  1. Check the Enable Box next to MFA Status, followed by clicking Continue (figure 2).

Figure 2:

  1. After receiving the notification that you have successfully enabled Multi-Factor Authentication, click Set up Devices to choose how you would like to verify your sign ins (figure 3).

Figure 3:


Clicking Set up Devices will take you to another page where you will Start by getting the MFA Authenticator App or if you want to be called for verification, you can click I want to set up a different method. You have the choice of verifying a sign in by receiving a prompt from an app on your phone or by receiving a text or call to your phone. (figure 4).

Here are the different methods for authentication that you can choose from:

The options are further explained in the section below titled “Methods for Verifying your Sign ins.”

Figure 4:

  1. When you have set up your methods for verifying your sign ins, you may click the [Done] button and close the "Keep your Account Secure" page (figure 5). Click the Back to Account Management link to return to the Account Management homepage (figure 6).

Figure 5:

Figure 6:

You have now successfully enabled MFA on your account. The MFA section in account management will now reflect the status Enabled.

Methods for Verifying your Sign ins

There are several methods available for use to verify your sign in. Below you will find the contact options and a brief description of each method.

Mobile App (Phone Notification and One-Time Passcode) :

  • This method allows you to receive notifications for verification by using an authenticator application downloaded from the App/Play Store. View the notification and, if it is legitimate, select Approve in the app prompt received on your cellular device.
  • You also have the option to use a one-time passcode. With this mode, the authenticator app generates a verification code that updates every 30 seconds. Enter the most current verification code in the sign in interface. Note that to use this feature, you already need to have MFA set up before you can change to this method of authentication, as the phone notification is the default authenticator method when using the authenticator app.
  • For instructions on how to set up the mobile app authentication, see: How to Set-up Multi-Factor Authentication using the Mobile App.
  • For instructions on how to set up the one-time password authentication method, see: Setting up the One-Time Password Authentication Method for Multi-Factor Authentication

Mobile Phone Call:

  • This method places an automated voice call to the phone number you provide. After answering the call, the user will press the # key on their phone in order to authenticate. The number you will see on your device is 1-855-330-8653
  • For instructions on how to set up Authentication using your mobile phone, see: How To Set-up Multi-Factor Authentication using your Phone Number.

Office Phone Call:

  • This method places an automated voice call to the phone number you provide. Answer the call and press the pound key # on your desk phone’s keypad to authenticate.

Text Message Verification (SMS):

IMPORTANT: At this time it is NOT RECOMMENDED to use your office phone. This is because MFA will mainly be used when you are OFF CAMPUS, so you want a phone that you will have with you.

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