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MFA - Text Message Method Setup

Please consider your cell signal strength when selecting Text Message as your preferred method.

Note that the Authenticator Mobile App is the recommended method.  See Related Articles for instructions.

If you would prefer video instructions for this setup please click here, otherwise continue reading below. 

  1. On a computer, open a browser and log in to mfa.svsu.edu. 
    If you have already set up your preferred method, you will need to authenticate with your previously chosen method.
  2. If you get a message that says “Login failed…” please contact the Support Center, 964-4225, so we can check your account status.

    mfa.svsu.edu. Enter username and password. Click Log In.
     
  3. If a dropdown labeled Method is not displayed, select Change Method from the menu on the left.
  4. Select Text Message from the Method drop-down list. 


     
  5. If you haven't already set up a phone number and PIN, you will need to do that now.
    1. Type your mobile (recommended) phone number.
    2. Type a four-digit PIN to create it.
    3. Type your PIN again to confirm it.
  6. Click the blue button, Text Me Now to Authenticate.


     
  7. On your mobile device, you will receive a text message from 51789 (it can come from another number).
  8. Back on your computer, type the six-digit code that was sent, followed immediately by your PIN.  Do not enter spaces.  Click Sign in.
    Back on your computer, type the six-digit code that was sent, followed immediately by your PIN.  Do not enter spaces.  Click Sign in.
     
  9. If this is the first time you are setting up MFA, you will be prompted to select four security questions and answers.
  10. Remember your Security Question Answers
  11. Use each of the four drop-down lists to select four security questions.
  12. Type the answers in each of the answer fields.  Answers for security questions are not case sensitive. 

    Use each of the four drop-down lists to select four security questions. Type the answers in each of the answer fields.  Answers for security questions are not case sensitive. 
     
  13. Click Save to complete the set up and begin using MFA.
  14. From now on, when trying to access an SVSU service, a message will appear on the computer screen saying, “For security reasons, we require additional information to verify your account.”  You will receive a text message containing a six-digit code that you will type into the prompt, on your computer, along with your PIN number.

Details

Article ID: 127192
Created
Wed 2/3/21 3:04 PM
Modified
Wed 1/11/23 9:40 AM

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