Two-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is mandatory for the use of certain applications. This will make logging on considerably safer and, as a result, we will be less vulnerable to attacks.

Why MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method whereby the online user has to successfully complete multiple steps to access an application. This means that, in addition to entering your password (something you know), you also verify your login in the Microsoft Authenticator App (something you have). By introducing this additional step, it is no longer enough for malicious parties to know just your password to gain access to your account. 

As students are not allowed to use a smartphone during exams, it was decided not to apply MFA to applications for exams for the time being.

Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app

You install the Microsoft Authenticator App the first time you start using applications with a mandatory MFA. You have to go through a number of steps once to set up the multi-factor authentication and link it to your account. You can then use the app to log into the applications. 

Download the Microsoft Authenticator app for:

 IOS  Android  

 Manual to set up the app  

Login Microsoft Authenticator App

When you want to log in to one of the applications on your laptop, you will receive a notification on your smartphone via the Microsoft Authenticator App, approving the login to your laptop. The frequency of logging in to applications is limited as long as you work on the same workstation and only use the desktop applications installed on your computer (such as Teams, Word and your files in Windows Explorer). In this case, you only need to use MFA once during installation and configuration so that your data (username, password and approved code) is saved and preserved. Furthermore, you only have to log in again when you change your password or log out.

When using online applications in your browser, login is always required. Every time you launch a browser session to use applications with MFA, you need the Microsoft Authenticator App to log in. If you continue to work within the browser, you don't need to do this again. If you close the browser and restart it, you will need to log in again with MFA. 

Manual to log in with MFA

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - Tilburg University
Why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - Tilburg University