How to Set Up/View Google Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Overview

This tutorial will guide you through how to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for your Triton Access (Okta). Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a validation method that requires users to use two or more additional verification factors to access a resource (e.g., an application, online account, or VPN), rather than just a username and password. That means, if someone is trying to break into your account, they can’t get in without the second verification factor.

  • To complete this guide, you will need access to your student or employee email account.

Steps

  1. Go to Gmail and log in with your student/employee email credentials
  2. Select the waffle menu (the square icon with nine dots) to the left of your profile picture.
  3. Select Account
  4. On the left menu, select Security & sign-in
  5. Scroll down to “2-Step Verification.” It will show whether 2-Step Verification is currently ON or OFF. Select the tab to view or set up your verification methods. Make sure 2-Step Verification is ON when you finish to prevent your account from being locked.
  6. Set up or verify your existing security methods. We highly recommend adding at least two. Below you will find in-depth instructions for each option.
  7. After adding all the methods you wish, scroll down and click on*"Turn on 2-Step Verification".*

A blue “Turn on 2-Step Verification” button is highlighted.

Option One: Authenticator

This tutorial shows how to add Google Authenticator. Okta Verify can also be used.

Google Authenticator:
  1. Select the Authenticator option
    Select the “Authenticator” option, highlighted in green, with “Add authenticator app” displayed to the right.
  2. Click on "+ Set up Authenticator" button
    Authenticator app page explaining that authenticator apps generate verification codes without text messages. The “Set up authenticator” button is highlighted in green near the bottom left.
  3. A QR code will be displayed.
  4. On your device, download/open Google Authenticator
    1. In the bottom-left corner, click on the + symbol, then select "Scan QR Code" and complete the scan. Select Next once the code appears on your device
      Screen 1: Scan QR Code option highlighted Screen 2: QR code displays, Next button highlighted
  5. Enter the code. You will see the code beneath Google: youremail@edmonds.edu / youremail@student.edmonds.edu

Screen 4: “Set up authenticator app” dialog with a field containing the six-digit verification code. The “Verify” button is highlighted in green at the bottom right.

Success! You will now see a revolving security code for your Google Account

​

Option Two: Google Prompt

  1. This method will be available only if/when you log in to your student/employee account on a personal device (e.g., phone, tablet, iPad)
  2. No further action is required.

​

Option Three: Phone Number

  1. Select the Phone number option
    Phone number option highlighted in green, with “Add a phone number” displayed to the right and a right-facing arrow at the far right.
  2. Click the "+ Add phone number" button
    2-Step Verification phones page with the “Add phone number” button highlighted in green below the instructions on the left side. An illustration of a phone receiving a verification code appears on the right.
  3. Add a phone number and choose whether you prefer receiving codes by text or voice message, then click Next. Confirm that you typed the correct number. Then, select Save
    Screen 1: “Add a phone number” dialog with the phone number field highlighted in green near the top, “Receive codes by text message” selected, and “Next” at the bottom right. Screen 2: “Confirm your phone number” dialog with the “Save” button highlighted in green at the bottom right.
  4. Success!

​

Option Three: Backup Codes

  1. Select the Backup Codes option
    Backup codes option highlighted in green, with “Get backup codes” displayed to the right and a right-facing arrow at the far right.
  2. Click the "+ Get backup codes" button
    Backup codes page explaining that the codes can be used to sign in and should be stored somewhere safe but accessible. The “Get backup codes” button is highlighted in green near the lower left.
  3. Ten backup codes will be generated. You can print or download them. If you use this method, store the codes in a secure and accessible (only to you) location.
    Your backup codes page showing 10 backup codes remaining, with options to “Print codes” and “Download codes” at the bottom.
  4. Success!

​

Option Four: Passkeys and security keys

Coming Soon