Student IT accounts and multi-factor authentication (MFA)

We’re increasing cyber security by making some important changes to how we manage student accounts at the University. Once your student account has been set up, you’ll have 120 days to set up MFA. After that access to your account will be restricted to help keep it secure. You’ll need to contact IT & Library Support to gain access to your account and Kent IT Services.

MFA is required to access to email, KentVision and other IT services you log into with your Kent IT Account. MFA significantly reduces the chances of your account being compromised and accessed by cyber-criminals, helping us prevent things like ransomware attacks and data breaches.

What you need to do

You must set up MFA on your account as soon as possible if you want to access your Kent email and IT services.

When you log in to a Kent service, you’ll receive the following prompt:

You’ll be asked to use an alternative authentication method in addition to your IT Account password.

Follow these steps to set this up when off campus:

• Sign out of or close any Microsoft software you may already have open.

• Try to access a Kent service and choose an authentication method when asked:
  • we recommend choosing the Microsoft Authenticator app as it’s secure and quick (it allows authentication with one tap rather than a 6-digit code).
  • if you prefer to use text message or telephone call, choose I want to set up a different method and follow the process on-screen.
  • The next time you log into a Kent IT service from a new device from off campus / outside the Kent network, you’ll receive a notification asking you to authorise the login.

  Access to your IT account already restricted

  If you are unable to access your Kent email or IT services now (and your account already has access restrictions placed on it), you’ll need to contact IT & Library Support.

  MFA at Kent user guide

  Help and support

  If you have any questions, please contact IT & Library Support.

  • 01227 82 4888
  • helpdesk@kent.ac.uk
  Categories: IT news IT support staff Safety and security

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