Rollout of Multi-Factor Authentication on all Oxford SSO accounts has begun

The implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for everyone with an Oxford Single Sign-On (SSO) account, including staff and students, began at the beginning of January 2021, so far 17,306 accounts have had MFA enabled. This will continue in daily batches, alphabetically by surname, across the University before Trinity Term.

Multi-factor authentication means you will be asked to verify your SSO account using a second factor, such as a text message, an app on your phone or desktop, or a phone call.

Actions to take now

1. Check your MFA deployment date

If you have any existing commitments that day, especially students with online exams, you may want to request that MFA is enabled early on your SSO account, so you don’t lose access to your account at an inconvenient moment.

2. Set up two MFA authentication methods

We recommend that you set up at least two authentication methods in advance of your MFA date, ideally choosing methods that don’t both rely on a single device, to find out more visit the How to prepare for MFA page

3. Check your emails and the MFA webpages

You will receive a number of countdown emails ahead of your MFA deployment date. Please read these emails as they contain important information and instructions for setting up MFA on your account. There are also comprehensive instructions on the How to prepare for MFA page and the Help and guidance pages.

If you have any questions regarding MFA, please speak to your local IT support in the first instance.

If you have any questions about this project please contact mfaproject@it.ox.ac.uk

Help us ‘double-lock’ our systems and protect personal and University data.