SET UP MFA USING HARDWARE TOKEN

This page outlines the 3 parts needed to set up your hardware token for MFA: 

Part 1. Obtain a MFA hardware token

If you don’t have a mobile device or are unable to use one for MFA, using a hardware token would be an alternative. A hardware token is a small device that displays the 6-digit codes for logging into MFA.

 

Part 2. Set up hardware token with MFA

 

1. Once you've obtained your hardware token, have it ready and nearby.

On your desktop or laptop computer, go to mfa.sfu.ca to set up your hardware token. Sign in with your SFU computing ID and password.

 

2. Once you have successfully signed in, you will see the two options available for MFA enrollment. Select "I have a Hardware Token" to begin your set up process.

Next, read the instructions on the screen to ensure you have the equipment needed for this set up. Select "Continue" when you are ready.

 

3. On the MFA setup page, enter the serial number located on the back of your hardware token and select "Continue".

 

4. Push the button on the front of your hardware token to display a 6-digit MFA code. Type in the code shown on the token display.

Next, select "Continue" to proceed to the final step of your MFA enrollment.

Token time drift?

If it's detected that the clock on your MFA token has drifted, you will see the following screen. Enter an additional code from your token to reset your token's time, and select "Continue" to proceed to the final step of your MFA enrollment.

PART 3. Print and store emergency login codes

 

As the final step of your MFA setup, please do one of the following to keep a record of your emergency login codes:

  • Select "Print Emergency Login Codes" to print out a physical copy of your emergency login codes, or
  • Write down your emergency login codes on a piece of paper. 

Once you have documented and stored your emergency codes safely, check the box beside "I have printed and securely stored my emergency login codes" and select "Complete MFA Setup".

These 8-digit emergency login codes are one-time use codes, and should only be used as the last resort.

Congratulations, you've completed your MFA setup!

 

If your MFA setup was successful, a "Congratulations, your MFA registration is complete" confirmation message will be shown on the final screen.

Your MFA token should now be showing a 6-digit MFA code that changes every 30 seconds.

MFA Set Up Token Complete.png

How do I start using my MFA login?

 

Log in with MFA is easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Sign in to an SFU application with your SFU Computing ID and password, as you currently do.
  2. Type in the 6-digit MFA code being displayed on your MFA token.
  3. Select "Submit" to sign in. 

Note: Remember to keep your hardware token nearby to sign in using the 6-digit MFA codes. You should only use your 8-digit emergency login codes as the last resort.

MFA token - login experience winter 2022.png
 

Have questions? Please see our collection of FAQs.

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