Using the web browser extension to sign into MFA

Complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using the web browser authenticator previously set up on your Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox browser.

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Sign in via Microsoft Office 365

When accessing Microsoft Office 365, you will be prompted to authenticate.

1. When prompted to log in to Microsoft Office 365, enter your Cardiff University email address and click Next.
2. You will then be redirected to the Cardiff University login screen. Enter your Cardiff University email address and password as normal and click Log in.
   • Those without a Cardiff University email address (and only a username) must enter the username followed by ‘@cardiff.ac.uk’.
3. You will be asked to complete the MFA using the 6-digit code from the web browser’s Authenticator extension.

Switch to the web browser authenticator

1. Select the Authenticator add-on by clicking on the QR icon to the right of the address bar. If you can’t find this, click on the Extensions button (jigsaw icon) or click on the three dots on the far right and select Extensions.

2. The Authenticator extension will appear. Select the option you identified for use at Cardiff University. The Authenticator extension will show an entry for Cardiff University with a 6-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds.

3. You will be asked whether to give the Authenticator extension permission to copy the 6-digit code to your computer's clipboard. Click Allow.
4. Click on the 6-digit code to copy it into your computer's clipboard.

The code is valid for 30 seconds before a new code is generated. The timer icon indicates how long you have left to use that 6-digit code. The code’s colour changes from blue to red when it is about to expire. Wait for the new code to be generated in blue before copying and using it.

Return to the original login prompt

1. Return to the Microsoft Office 365 Enter code webpage. Type or paste the code copied from the Authenticator extension. Click Verify.
2. The Microsoft Office 365 home page will be displayed. If this fails, reopen the web browser Authenticator extension and copy the latest 6-digit code. Replace the failed verification code with the latest code and click Verify.