From Wednesday 9 March 2022, all students (whether on or off campus) will be required to use 2-factor authentication to log in to Blackboard, University email and Microsoft 365.
Why are we making this change?
Passwords are increasingly easy to compromise. They can often be stolen, guessed, or hacked – you might not even know if someone is accessing your account.
2-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring two types of information before you can log in. These two types include entering your password (as you already do) and then confirming your login, usually through an app on your phone or through a different device.
Our 2-factor authentication service is provided by a company called Duo and is already used by all staff and postgraduate research students. Duo has shown great success in helping us stay safe and increasing the University’s security.
What next?
From mid-February, look out for communications from IT Services with further information and instructions for you to register for 2-factor authentication, using your smartphone.
If you don’t have a smartphone, or you have specific needs that you wish to discuss, please contact the IT Support Centre by calling 0161 306 5544. If you’re on campus you can also visit one of the in-person IT support desks.
If you’re already set up with Duo and have registered a device in the IT Account Manager, then you are all set – just make sure you have the Duo App ready on your smartphone.
Find out more on the IT Services website: