Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), sometimes referred to as two-factor authentication (2FA), is a security regime that verifies your identity by challenging you to provide more than just a username and password. MFA requires other additional credentials, such as a code from your smartphone, or your fingerprint, or facial imprint.
MFA makes it harder for an unauthorised person to gain access to your Fixus account.
Getting set up
The next time you access your Fixus account, you’ll be guided through the multi-factor authentication setup process. You will need to choose one of the available authentication options. This will become your second factor to be used when signing in.
Note: the Fixus Administrator may Enforce MFA on an account (if this is the case the ‘Skip this for now’ button will not be visible)
Set up your App
Google and Microsoft have Authenticator apps available that will generate a unique code each 30 seconds.
Google Authenticator App
- Sign in to your Fixus account as normal, using your email address and password.
- Select the Google Authenticator app on the Fixus dialog. Install the Google Authenticator App on your phone if you haven’t already
- Open your Google Authenticator app on your phone and tap the “+” button to add a new code.
- Choose Scan QR Code then point your camera at the QR Code shown on the Fixus screen and a new entry will be added to your App screen on your phone.
- Enter the 6 digit code shown in the app into the space provided on the Fixus screen
- Click on the Return to Login button to complete the set up and log in with the new MFA
(Please note that this is an example code, the authenticator app will give you a unique code to scan)
Microsoft Authenticator App
- Sign in to your Fixus account as normal, using your email address and password
- Select the Microsoft Authenticator app on the Fixus dialog. Install the Microsoft Authenticator App on your phone if you haven’t already
- Open your Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone and tap the “+” button to add a new code.
- Tap ‘Work or School Account’ then tap ‘Scan QR Code’ on the popup
- Point your camera at the QR Code shown on the Fixus screen and a new entry will be added to your App screen on your phone.
- Enter the 6 digit code shown into the space provided on the Fixus screen
- Click on the Return to Login button to complete the set up and log in with the new MFA
(Please note that this is an example code, the authenticator app will give you a unique code to scan)
Yubikey
- Sign in to your Fixus account as normal, using your email address and password.
- When you click on the Login button a screen will appear asking you to provide a code from your yubikey.
- Insert your Yubikey into the computer and tap it to generate the code.
- Click on the Login button and you are finished.
How to Sign in with MFA
- Sign in to your Fixus account as normal, using your email address and password.
- When you click on the Login button a screen will appear asking you to provide a code from your Authenticator app (or YubiKey) you previously set up
- Open your Authenticator app and find the Fixus entry you have already set up, or plug your YubiKey into your computers USB port
- Enter the 6 digit code from the App into the space provided on the Fixus screen, or tap the “Y” on the Yubikey to fill in a longer code
- Click on the Login button
Frequently Asked Questions
How does multi-factor authentication work?
- You will still use your email address and password to sign into your Fixus account.
In addition you will now be required to provide a second piece of information such as the code provided by a mobile app or a SMS text message.
Why do we need multi-factor authentication?
- Relying on usernames and passwords to secure your online accounts is no longer considered safe. Data breaches occur daily, and hackers are constantly finding new ways to take over your accounts. Enabling multi-factor authentication adds another layer of protection to your account, making it more difficult to compromise.
Why am I not always asked for my MFA code?
- The Fixus platform use multiple factors to determine if you are authorised to gain access. Factors such as your email address, password and MFA code make up the basis for your request for access but are not the only factors that can be taken into consideration. If your request comes from a known and trusted location, then the MFA code part of your login may not always be required
How do I reset my multi-factor authentication?
- Your MFA can only be reset by a System Admin of the Instance you are trying to access. Reach out to one of your admins and they will be able to reset your MFA. Once reset, you will be able to log back in. Fixus will ask you to set-up MFA again like it is the first time.
I just got a new phone and don’t have a code on my app?
- If you have recently acquired a new phone and your app doesn’t have a Fixus code, you will need to reach out to a System Admin and ask for your MFA to be reset. Once done, you can set MFA up on your new device upon your next login.
What if I have access to multiple Fixus sites and they both require MFA?
- Each Fixus Instance has a unique name that tells either of the supported authenticator apps which site it is linked too. Simply setup MFA on both Fixus Instances and the app should be able to distinguish which is which so you know which code to use when logging in.