Setting Up Authenticator-Based Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification beyond your password. This guide will walk you through setting up MFA on your iPhone or Android device using either Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.

 

Prerequisites

1. An iPhone or Android device.
2. The account or service you want to secure with MFA.
3. The Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your device.

 

Installing the Authenticator App

Google Authenticator

1. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Search for "Google Authenticator."
3. Tap "Install" to download and install the app.

Microsoft Authenticator

1. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Search for "Microsoft Authenticator."
3. Tap "Install" to download and install the app.

 

Setting Up MFA

Step 1: Login to Springboard

1. Log in to your Springboard account with your usual credentials.
2. If Authenticator-based MFA has been enabled for your solution, you will be presented with a QR code to scan

Step 3: Scan the QR Code

1. A QR code will be displayed.
2. Open the Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator app on your device.

Please note that even if you already have the Authenticator app set up for other services, you will need to create a new authentication entry specifically for this Springboard website. If you access multiple Springboard accounts, each one will require it's own authenticator account.

 

Google Authenticator

1. Tap the "+" button (usually at the bottom right).
2. Select "Scan a QR code."
3. Use your device's camera to scan the QR code displayed on your account's MFA setup page.

Microsoft Authenticator

1. Tap the "+" button (usually at the top right).
2. Select "Scan QR code."
3. Use your device's camera to scan the QR code displayed on your account's MFA setup page.

Step 4: Enter the Verification Code

1. After scanning the QR code, the app will generate a 6-digit verification code.
2. Enter this code into the Authentication Sign In page on your account.

Step 5: Confirm and Save

1. Confirm the code and save your settings.
2. Your MFA setup is complete.

 

Using MFA

1. When you log in to your account, after entering your username and password, you will be prompted to enter a verification code.
2. Open your authenticator app.
3. Enter the 6-digit code displayed in the app into the login prompt.

 

Backup and Recovery

Google Authenticator

1. Google Authenticator does not automatically back up your codes. Make sure to save backup codes provided during the setup process.
2. If you get a new device, you’ll need to set up Google Authenticator again for each account.

Microsoft Authenticator

1. Microsoft Authenticator can back up your codes to your Microsoft account.
2. To enable this, open the app, go to settings, and turn on "Cloud backup."
3. When you get a new device, sign in to your Microsoft account in the Microsoft Authenticator app to restore your codes.

Email authentication

1. If you can’t access your account using Authenticator, and your client solution permits it, you can select ‘Use Email Instead’ and have a 6-digit code sent to the email address for your account.

 

Troubleshooting

• Code Not Working: Ensure your device’s time is set correctly, as the codes are time-based.
• Lost Device: Use backup codes, email authentication or contact the service provider for account recovery options.
• New Device: Re-scan the QR codes or restore from backup (if using Microsoft Authenticator).

By following these steps, you can enhance the security of your accounts with multi-factor authentication using Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator on your iPhone or Android device.