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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Information for Parents and Carers

To help keep our students’ accounts and the school network secure, we are introducing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all student logins overtime.

MFA, sometimes called 2-Step Verification or 2FA adds an extra layer of protection when students sign in to school systems.

What Is MFA?

MFA helps confirm that the person logging in really is the student, not someone else using their password.  It does this by asking for an extra step, usually a quick approval on a phone app after entering their password.

This kind of security is already common in apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online banking, and is becoming the standard for online safety in education.

How It Works

  • When students log in to school systems from home or outside the school, they’ll get a notification on a phone asking them to confirm it’s really them.
  • When using school computers in school, they will not need to use MFA but if setting up in school, their phones will be needed.
  • The app used is the Microsoft Authenticator, which is free and quick to set up.

What Your Child Will Need

  • A smartphone (their own, or a parent’s phone if preferred).
  • The Microsoft Authenticator app available for free on Android and iPhone.
  • A few minutes to follow the setup guide here.

If a student does not have access to a smartphone, ICT Support can help them find an alternative way to set up MFA.

Support for Students

Our ICT Support team (Room 115) will run MFA setup workshops in school during break times to help students install and register the app.

They can also assist if:

  • The student gets a new phone,
  • The app stops working, or
  • The student sees unexpected login notifications.

Staying Safe

Students should only receive MFA notifications when they are actively trying to log in to school systems.  If they receive a notification they weren’t expecting, they should not approve it and should contact ICT Support immediately.  This could mean someone else is trying to access their account.