Multifactor authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is used to better protect against cyber attacks, and to ensure your personal information stays secure. It adds an extra layer of security to your login process as it checks your identity twice before letting you log in.
New students
If you’re logging in for the first time, follow these steps to set up multifactor authentication (MFA) on your devices:
1. Log into your TAFE NSW account.
2. Select ‘Yes’ to activate MFA.
3. Follow the prompts to set up MFA software. Use PingID, Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator.
Existing students
If you’ve previously logged in, follow these steps to set up multifactor authentication (MFA) on your devices:
1. Log into your TAFE NSW account.
2. Locate your name in the top right corner of the Student Hub and select ‘My Details’ from the dropdown menu.
3. Slide the MFA switch to ‘ON’.
4. Log out of your account, then log back in.
5. Follow the prompts to set up your preferred MFA software.
Log in with multifactor authentication (MFA)
When you log into a TAFE NSW computer or system, you’ll need to enter a MFA code sent to your phone or chosen device. This helps confirm your identity before giving you access.
There are 2 steps:
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Enter your TAFE NSW username and password.
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Confirm your identity using MFA software. This could be PingID, Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator.
Introduction to multifactor authentication (MFA)
Learn how MFA works and protects you against cyber crimes.
MFA software
You have 3 options to choose from when setting up your multifactor authentication (MFA) software.
TAFE NSW supports:
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PingID
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Microsoft Authenticator
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Google Authenticator.
You can set up MFA on devices like:
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iPhones
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Android phones.
Each time you log into your TAFE NSW account or systems, you’ll need to verify your identity using your chosen MFA software.
Set up MFA with PingID
When you log in to your TAFE NSW account for the first time, you’ll be prompted to register with PingID. Follow the prompts and enter your username and password to register.
After registering, enter your username and password again to activate multifactor authentication (MFA) and protect your account.
To use PingID on your phone, you must have a passcode, pattern lock, or biometric lock enabled.
Your device needs a compatible operating system to download PingID:
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iOS 15.0 or later for iPhones, iPads and iPods
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Android 9.0 or later for Android devices.
Set up MFA on your device
Watch this video to learn how to set up multifactor authentication (MFA) on your iPhone or iOS device. For detailed instructions, download the information sheet for iPhone and iOS.
Set up MFA on your Android
This video shows you how to set up multifactor authentication (MFA) on your Android device. For step-by-step instructions, download the information sheet for Android.
Set up MFA with YubiKey
Learn how to set up multifactor authentication (MFA) with a YubiKey in this video. For more help, download the information sheet for setting up Yubikey.
Set up MFA with Microsoft or Google Authenticator
This video shows you how to set up multifactor authentication (MFA) using an authenticator app, such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator.
To follow along, download the information sheet.
Microsoft Authenticator requires:
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iOS 16.0 or later for iPhones, iPads and iPods
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Android 8.0 or later for Android devices.
Google Authenticator requires:
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iOS 14.0 or later for iPhones, iPads and iPods
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Android 6.0 or later for Android devices.
Frequently asked questions
Cyber attacks are becoming more advanced. MFA adds an extra layer of security.
Even if someone gets your password, they can’t log in without your device. We strongly recommend that you use MFA to protect your account.
While MFA is optional, we strongly recommend it for better security. If you want to opt out, select ‘No’ when the ‘Activate MFA’ screen appears. You can then continue using password protection only.
You will need to transfer your PingID to your new device.
If you still have your old device, follow these steps:
- Download and install the PingID app on your new device.
- On your old device, open the PingID app, tap ‘Settings’ (wheel-cog icon), then tap ‘Change device’. You’ll see a QR code and pairing key.
- On your new device, open the PingID app and scan the QR code or enter the pairing key shown on your old device. A green tick means the pairing was successful.
- When you next log in, you’ll be asked to authenticate using your new device.
If you no longer have your old device:
• Contact the student technology service desk on 131 601 and ask them to unpair your old device.
• After that, you can set up PingID on your new device.
If you use the same computer or laptop, you’ll likely only need to use MFA once a day. You may be asked to use MFA again if you use a private or incognito browser window, or if you switch computers during the day.
If your phone is too old for PingID, try Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator instead.
Google Authenticator works on devices with iOS 14.0 or later and Android 6.0 or later.
Microsoft Authenticator works on devices with iOS 16.0 or later and Android 8.0 or later.
If your phone can’t support these apps, you can buy a YubiKey to use as your MFA option.
We suggest setting up your MFA when you have 5 to 10 minutes free. It’s best to do this during business hours so the student technology service desk can help you with any issues.
To avoid opening PingID every time you log in, enable PingID notifications. You can approve requests without opening the app by selecting ‘Continue’ and ‘Yes, it is me’. If the option times out, use the 6-digit code shown in the notification.
If you forget your MFA device, watch our video to learn how to get a one-time passcode. It will be sent to your personal email.
Yes. You can control these through your Student Hub. Watch our video for step-by-step instructions on managing your MFA settings.
Yes, you can. Follow these downloadable instructions to add an extra device for MFA to your account. This helps if you can’t access your primary device and need another way to log in.
We’re here to help
For any MFA-related issues, call the TAFE NSW student technology service desk on 131 601 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm).
Students who are deaf or hard of hearing can get help through the National Relay Service.