Starting with MFA

Method 1: Verification with SMS code or phone call

This is a very simple method to get started with MFA.
Follow these steps to add a phone number:

1. Click on "Add method".

   

2. Select "Phone" and click on "Add".
3. Select "Belgium (+32)" and fill in your phone number.
   Note: Your (mobile) number will not be visible within the organization.
4. Then choose between "Send me a code via SMS" or "Call".

   

   Code via sms

   • If you choose "Send me a code via SMS", you will receive a 6 digit code.

     

   • Enter the 6-digit code on the computer and click "Next".

     

   • You will receive a confirmation. Click on "Done".

   Call

   • If you select "Call", you will receive a phone call at the phone number you entered. This can be a mobile or a landline number.

     

   • You will be called by a Microsoft service with the automatic message: "Thank you for using Microsoft's authentication system. Press the hash to complete the verification".
   • Press the hash (#). A confirmation will appear on your computer.

     

   • Click on "Done".
   • Then you can change the Default Sign-in method by clicking "Change" and selecting the method (Phone-text for sms - Phone-call for call).
   
   
   Tip: Also add a second phone number as an alternative. This can be useful in the event of theft or loss of your mobile phone.
   You add an alternative number in exactly the same way as the first telephone number. (Add method > Phone > Enter phone number)
   Note: This method becomes unusable if you change your phone number or, temporarily, if your device is lost.

Method 2: Verification with the Microsoft Authenticator app

Follow these steps to set up authentication with the Microsoft Authenticator app:

1. If you choose the Authenticator app method, you will see the screen below on your computer:

   

2. Take your smartphone and go to the App Store (iOS), Google Play Store (Android) or Microsoft Store (Windows Phone) to download the Microsoft Authenticator app. to download.
3. Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator-app.
   Tip: Do you have an iPhone? Make sure that the Microsoft Authenticator app is allowed to send you push messages, so that you can approve them. To do this, go to Settings > Notifications > select the Microsoft Authenticator app and enable "Allow Notifications".
4. Installation succesfull? Click on "Next" on your computer screen.
5. You will see a QR code on your computer screen. It looks like this:

   

6. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone and select "Scan QR Code".
   The app will request access to the camera to scan the QR code. Select "Allow".
7. Point your camera at the QR code to scan it (as if you were taking a picture of it). Your UGent account will now be added to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
8. Click "Next" on your computer screen.
9. You will receive a test code on your smartphone. Tap "Approve".
10. A confirmation will appear on your computer screen. Click on "Done".
    The Microsoft Authenticator app is now in your list of methods.

Method 3: Verify using another authenticator app

Follow these steps to set up authentication with another authenticator app:

1. Click on "Add method".

   

2. Select "Authenticator-app" and click on "Add".
3. You will be asked to download the Microsoft Authenticator App. Click on "I want to use a different authenticator app".

   

4. After you have downloaded and installed the app, click "Next".
5. Add your UGent account to your authenticator app. This can be done in two ways:
   
   

   • From the smartphone on which you installed the authenticator app

     You can copy the account name and secret key by clicking on the documents icon (). Then paste it into your authenticator app.

     

     Then click on "Next".

   • Using another device (laptop, desktop, tablet, ..)

     This is the most user-friendly method. A QR code will be displayed that you can scan with your authenticator app.

     

     If not already done, you will have to give the app access to the camera. After scanning, your UGent account will be added automatically.
     Then click on "Next".
6. As a final step, you will be asked to enter the six digits code. You can find this code when you tap on your account in the authenticator app.

   

Method 4: Authentication using a security key

Follow these steps to set up Authentication with a Security Key:
1. Click on "Add method".

   

2. Select "Security key" and click on "Add".
3. Click on "Next" and register with MFA.
4. Follow the manual of the Security key (go to yubico.com/start)
5. You will have to choose a PIN code for your security key. Don't forget it.
6. How to reset a security key if you lose the pin code, can also be found in the manual.

If desired, you can purchase a security key yourself.

We recommend the YubiKey 5 NFC .

Reset Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)