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    MFA has arrived - set up your account now

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Multifactor Authentication for students

Edith Cowan University (ECU) has applied Multifactor Authentication (MFA) to numerous significant and essential student applications.

Set up MFA now

To make sure you can continue to access essential ECU applications, jump straight to registering your MFA methods.

If you want some extra guidance, this ECU support article for MFA will step you through the whole process.

Just remember to use your ECU issued email address and not your personal email when registering.

International Students

ECU highly recommends international students use the Microsoft Authenticator App for MFA. Using MFA methods linked to international mobile services can be problematic, but using the App bypasses these issues. Download the app from Google Play or Apple AppStore.

Please continue to monitor your email for important information and resources regarding this change. If you have any queries in the meantime, please contact the IT Service Desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MFA?

MFA is a two-step verification solution that helps protect your and ECU's information assets. MFA adds an additional layer of security on top of your regular username and password, which makes it harder for hackers to log in to your account as if they were you.

MFA helps safeguard access to your data and applications while meeting the demand for a simple sign-in process. Single sign-on helps you access the apps and resources you need to do business while signing in only once. After you've signed in, you can go from Microsoft Office to internal applications without being required to enter credentials a second time.

I've just changed my password but the system won't allow me to login

Synchronisation of passwords will take up to five minutes to complete across all of ECU's platforms. Ensure you allow enough time for this to happen after any password changes.

I don't want to use MFA. Can I opt out?

MFA is compulsory for all students of the University. You cannot opt out of using MFA.

What if I forget my phone when I come to uni?

If you are accessing ECU resources from a ‘trusted’ computer/browser, there is a good chance you will not have MFA challenge your login attempt. It is designed to be ‘invisible’ if previous access attempts have been seen from the device you are using.

If you do get challenged and you don’t have your mobile device available, simply reach out to the IT Service Desk either via phone on 6304 6000 or email the IT Service Desk and they will issue you a Temporary Access Pass once you have been identified.

Your other support option is to see eLab staff at the locations below to be issued a Temporary Access Pass:

  • Joondalup - Building 31 (Library), Room 236
  • Mount Lawley - Building 10, Room 136
  • South West - Building 3 (Library), Room 101E

What is the preferred method of using MFA?

Although you can authenticate through other methods, the Microsoft Authenticator App is the preferred and most secure method for MFA. It is also the easiest way and will make authenticating more seamless than other authentication methods.

The Microsoft Authenticator App will allow you to setup a push notification to your device which you can accept with a single click, or you can use the One Time Password (OTP) which will require you to enter a 6-digit rolling code.

Alternately, these MFA methods are available:

  • SMS to registered mobile number
  • Phone call to registered mobile or landline number

Do I need to use MFA every time I log in?

In most cases MFA will provide an option to ‘Trust this browser’; selecting this option means that you won't need to authenticate with MFA every time (for this same browser or device). For shared devices, such as lab computers, library computers, public kiosks the use of ‘Trust this browser’ is not recommended.

Some security-critical applications may not have a 'Trust this browser’ option, or may only offer it for a shorter time period (e.g. the VPN). This provides additional security for these security applications and their data.

Why can't I use an email address for MFA?

ECU uses Microsoft Azure AD to provide identity services. Emails can often become compromised; therefore, Microsoft does not allow an email address to be used as an MFA method.

I already have the Microsoft Authenticator app. Do I need to do anything?

If you already have the Microsoft Authenticator App installed on your mobile device, you simply need to register your ECU identity to the App. This Register or Change MFA article will help with the process to register your device.

What if I'm having trouble setting up MFA or it stops working?

This ECU support article for MFA provides more information and step-by-step instructions on how to set up MFA.

If you require assistance when setting up MFA or experience any issues, please contact the IT Service Desk.

I don't have access to a mobile phone for MFA

MFA relies on you (the user) possessing a device which a malicious actor (hacker) will find difficult to access or compromise. Use of an Authenticator app on a smartphone or receiving an SMS or phone call are the most popular MFA methods.

While there are alternate MFA methods available, only in exceptional circumstances will these be considered.

If you do not have access to a mobile phone for MFA, please email the IT Service Desk or call +61 8 6304 6000 for advice.

Email - What does MFA change?

Email services for ECU students are provided by Microsoft. For the best experience, it is recommended to access your email via a browser or through Microsoft Outlook on Windows or MacOS.

All ECU students are entitled to a Microsoft 365 license during their studies at ECU. More information here.

If you wish to use an alternate email client, it must be ‘Modern Authentication’ compliant. ECU support services can assist you with on the following platforms:

  • Outlook 365 (Web and Application)
  • Apple Mail App (iOS and MacOS)
  • Outlook 2016 and 2019 (Windows and MacOS)
  • Outlook Mobile (iOS and Android)

Support for other platforms or applications is provided on a best effort basis. You can email the IT Service Desk or call +61 8 6304 6000.

I'm an Edith Cowan College (ECC) student, do I need to register for MFA?

If you are enrolled in an ECU course or unit, you will need to register for MFA.

Access to Canvas, the ECU learning management system, will require you to use your ECU credential in the form of yourname@our.ecu.edu.au, to login after Monday, 12 September 2022.

If you do not know your ECU credential, please contact the IT Service Desk or call +61 8 6304 6000.

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