How to activate two-factor authentication?

How to activate two-factor authentication?

At the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), we prioritize data security and the protection of personal information. To ensure a secure and protected experience for students and teaching staff alike, we have implemented a new security measure: two-factor authentication (2FA). This advanced technology is a best practice in cybersecurity and is essential for protecting your data against unauthorized access.

The process of enabling 2FA is simple and straightforward. Log in to the UOC website and you will find a section dedicated to security, where you can enable the 2FA system. You will then be guided through the steps necessary to associate your account with an authentication application. This initial setup takes only a few minutes and will ensure your account has extra protection. If you need more information, follow the step-by-step guide below:

  1. 1 Install
  2. 2 Configure
  3. 3 Enable
  4. 4 Use

1. Download the app to configure two-factor authentication

To activate two-factor authentication, you need the device you usually use to access UOC applications and services, and a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) or a workstation, where you need to configure 2FA.

We recommend that you download the Google Authenticator app on your mobile, which works similarly to other authentication apps. Although at the UOC we recommend the Google Authenticator application for double authentication, you can use any other application you trust to perform two-step verification to access the UOC applications and campus.

If you do not have a mobile device, you can use the browser extension Authenticator.cc. Note that browser extensions are not accessible to screen readers.

Google Authenticator Google Authenticator

Mobile App

Authenticator.cc Authenticator.cc

Browser Extension

1. Install the mobile app

To download Google Authenticator, you need to access the app store of your smart mobile device. The links are as follows:

1. Install the browser extension

To install the Authenticator.cc extension, choose the browser you usually work with:

2.1. Configure two-factor authentication on the computer

  1. Go to the university website and then to Virtual Campus.
  2. Log in with your UOC username and password. .
  3. If you don't have 2FA set up, you'll see a 2FA registration form.
  4. Expand Step 2. App settings. Screen to register the second factor

2.2. Configure two-factor authentication in the browser extension

Atenció
It is essential that both the device you use to access UOC applications and services and the device on which you configure two-factor authentication have the correct time. Otherwise, the code generated by the application will be expired and cannot be used for authentication.
  1. Open the Google Authenticator app and tap Get Started.
  2. Select whether you want to use the app without syncing with any accounts or syncing it with a Google account. It is recommended to link the application with a Google account that is NOT the UOC account to prevent Google Authenticator itself from asking you for the double factor when your UOC user password expires or changes.
  3. Click Add a code and select the option Scan a QR code.
    Mobile to register the second factor Mobile to register the second factor
  4. In order to scan the QR code, you must give the app permission. Select Only this time.
  5. Capture the QR code that you see on your computer (click on the Show/Hide icon in step 2 of the registration form). For security reasons, make sure that no one else can see the content of this page. Screen to register the second factor

2.2. Configure two-factor authentication in the browser extension

  1. In the browser extension, open the Authenticator.cc extension in the extensions section of your browser by clicking on it.
  2. Click on the option to Scan a QR code. Extension to register the second factor
  3. In order to scan the QR code, you must give the app permission. Select Allow.
  4. Capture the QR code that you see on your computer (click on the Show/Hide icon in step 2 of the registration form). For security reasons, make sure that no one else can see the content of this page. Screen to register the second factor
  5. If registration is completed correctly, a message will appear indicating that the account has been successfully added.

3.1. Enable 2FA on the device

  1. Collect the 6-digit code that is generated in the Google Authenticator app.
    Mobile to register the second factor
    Atenció
    The Google Authenticator app generates single-use numeric codes that change every 30 seconds. If you didn't have time to enter it, use the next one that is generated.

3.1. Enable 2FA in the browser extension

  1. Copy the six-digit code that is generated by the Authenticator extension. The Authenticator extension generates one-time numeric codes that change every 30 seconds. If you don't have time to enter the code, enter the next one that is generated.
    Extension to register the second factor
    Atenció
    The Google Authenticator app generates single-use numeric codes that change every 30 seconds. If you didn't have time to enter it, use the next one that is generated.

3.2. Enable 2FA on the computer

  1. Expand Step 3. Activate 2FA.
  2. Enter the code generated in the mobile app in the box in step 3 and click submit. Extension to register the second factor

3.2. Enable 2FA on the computer

Register with QR code

  1. Expand Step 3. Activate 2FA.
  2. Enter the code generated in the mobile app in the box in step 3 and click submit. Extension to register the second factor

4. Using of 2FA

Once it has been set up, the next time you access a UOC application or service, you will have to use the 2FA system. You will be offered the possibility of marking the device as trusted (this option means that you do not have to enter the 2FA code for a period of 30 days).

The steps to follow for 2FA are:

  1. Log in with your UOC username and password.
  2. Once the password has been validated, a window will open asking you to enter the 2FA code.
  3. Open the app on your mobile device you have enabled on your computer to obtain the 2FA code.
  4. You will see a six-digit code that changes every 30 seconds, enter it on the 2FA screen. Two-Factor Screen
  5. If you're logging in from a personal device, you can select the option Trust this device for 30 days, which means you will not have to enter a 2FA code again during that period.

4. Using of 2FA

Once it has been set up, the next time you access a UOC application or service, you will have to use the 2FA system. You will be offered the possibility of marking the device as trusted (this option means that you do not have to enter the 2FA code for a period of 30 days).

The steps to follow for 2FA are:

  1. Log in with your UOC username and password.
  2. Once the password has been validated, a window will open asking you to enter the 2FA code.
  3. Open the browser extension you have enabled on your computer to obtain the 2FA code.
  4. You will see a six-digit code that changes every 30 seconds, enter it on the 2FA screen. Two-Factor Screen
  5. If you're logging in from a personal device, you can select the option Trust this device for 30 days, which means you will not have to enter a 2FA code again during that period.