Account activation and multi-factor authentication (MFA)

To access your student account and other online services at University of Notre Dame Australia, you must activate your account and set up MFA. MFA helps to safeguard your account and ensure the security of Notre Dame's systems.

How to activate your new account and set up MFA on a smart device

A smart device includes a smartphone or tablet.

An account activation email will be sent to your personal email with a link to activate your account. The link expires after 7 days.

If you do not receive an activation email, please contact the Admissions team via email to admissions@nd.edu.au (domestic students) or international@nd.edu.au (international students).

• Getting set up on a smart device

  You will need to be online and have access to your smart device (such as your smartphone or tablet) during setup. This process takes less than 10 minutes.

  Steps to activate your Notre Dame account and set up MFA on your smart device.

  1. On your smart device, open the ‘Activate Your Notre Dame Account’ email.
  2. Create a new password, re-enter it to confirm, and select 'Reset Password'.
  3. Select 'Set up Okta Verify' and follow the on-screen prompts.
  4. Select the link on the screen to install the Okta Verify app.
     Note: Make sure the Okta Verify app is installed before continuing with the setup process.
  5. Select 'Set up Okta Verify'. This will automatically open the Okta Verify app.
  6. Select 'Get started' and then ‘Next’.
  7. Enter your Notre Dame email address (for example your student number@my.nd.edu.au) on the login screen and select ‘Next’.
  8. Enter your new Notre Dame password and select ‘Verify’.
  9. Select 'Got it' and 'Allow' to enable notifications for easier sign-in, or select 'Skip'.
  10. Select 'Enable' for PIN or screen-lock confirmation.
  11. Select ‘Done’. Okta Verify is now registered on your phone and is ready for use.

  Adding a mobile number is highly recommended as it provides an additional recovery option for account access, and might save you a support call in future.

  1. Select 'Set up' for Phone.
  2. Enter the country code and mobile number.
  3. Select 'Receive a code via SMS'.
  4. Enter the verification code sent to your mobile phone and select 'Verify' to complete phone verification.

  Once all steps are completed, the MFA app is set up, and your phone number is verified and ready for account recovery.

  For information on password guidelines, please visit Password and Account Management.

  Note: Certain applications may time out after a period of inactivity and require you to sign in/authenticate again.

• Getting set up on a computer

  Steps to activate your Notre Dame account on a computer and set up MFA on your smart device.

  1. On your smartphone, use the camera to scan one of the following QR codes to install Okta Verify app;

     Apple App Store

     

     Google Play Store

     
  2. On your computer, select the 'Activate your Notre Dame Account' email.
  3. Select the 'Activate your Notre Dame Account' link provided in the email.
  4. Create a new password, re-enter it to confirm, and select 'Reset Password'.
  5. Select ‘Set up’ for Okta Verify.
  6. Select 'Set-up Okta Verify on a mobile device' and follow the onscreen prompt
  7. Open the Okta Verify app on your smart device (i.e phone)
  8. Select 'Get started' and 'Add Account'.
  9. Select 'Organisation' as the account type.
  10. Select 'Skip' if prompted to add from another device.
  11. Scan the QR code displayed on the computer screen.
  12. Select 'Got it' and 'Allow' to enable notifications for easier sign-in, or select 'Skip'.
  13. Select 'Enable' for PIN or screen lock confirmation and select 'Done' to complete registration. Okta Verify is now registered on your phone and is ready for use.

  Adding a mobile number is highly recommended as it provides an additional recovery option for account access, and might save you a support call in future.

  1. Select 'Set up' for Phone.
  2. Enter the country code and mobile number.
  3. Select 'Receive a code via SMS'.
  4. Enter the verification code sent to your mobile phone and select 'Verify' to complete phone verification.

  Once all steps are completed, the MFA app is set up, and your phone number is verified and ready for account recovery.

  For information on password guidelines, please visit Password and Account Management.

  Note: Certain applications may time out after a period of inactivity and require you to sign in/authenticate again.

How to use Okta FastPass on your computer

Biometric authentication, such as Face ID or fingerprint recognition, provides a fast and secure sign-in experience while reducing reliance on passwords.

With Okta FastPass, you can use a PIN or biometrics to complete MFA on your computer without needing your phone. While optional, it is recommended for a quicker and smoother login experience.

Note: Okta Verify (with or without FastPass) can only be used on a computer that already has a password set. If you want to use Okta FastPass, make sure your local device has a password set up.

Refer to Okta Support for more information about device compatibility.

• Set up Okta FastPass on an Apple Device (macOS)

  Before you begin, ensure that the Okta Verify app is installed on your device.

  • For personal Mac PC/Laptop: Download the Okta Verify app from the App Store.

  Set up Okta Verify

  1. Open the Okta Verify app on your device.
  2. Select 'Get Started' and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. In the 'New Account' tab, update the URL to: https://signin.nd.edu.au
  4. Select 'Next' to continue.
  5. Enter your Notre Dame email address (e.g., studentnumber@my.nd.edu.au) and select 'Next'.
  6. Verify your identity using an existing security method.
     Note: If no security method is set up on your account, you may not be prompted for verification.
  7. Enter your current Notre Dame password and select 'Verify'.

  Enable Touch ID or Password Authentication

  1. Select 'Enable' for Touch ID or password confirmation.
  2. If Touch ID or a password is already set up on your device
     1. Verify your identity again to complete setup.
  3. If Touch ID or a password is not set-up on your device
     1. Select 'Settings' to begin setup.
     2. Select 'TouchID & Password'.
     3. Follow the on-screen instructions to:
        1. Register your fingerprint using Touch ID
        2. Set a device password to complete the setup process.

  Once setup is complete, Okta FastPass will be registered and ready to use on your device.

  Refer Apple Support for more information about Touch ID or password settings.

  Use Okta FastPass for Future Notre Dame Logins

  1. Navigate to Notre Dame login page.
  2. Select 'Sign in with Okta FastPass'.
  3. Verify your identity using the fingerprint (Touch ID) or device Password.
  4. Enter the Notre Dame Password if prompted to complete the sign-in process.

  Alternatively, If you’ve already entered your username on the sign in page, then you can choose 'Verify with something else' to access FastPass.

  Once verified, you will be signed in to University systems. FastPass can be used whenever MFA is required for quicker access.

  Key Considerations

  • Okta FastPass works only on the device where it is set up.
  • A PC or laptop cannot be used as an MFA device for other devices.
  • It is recommended to add a backup device (such as a mobile phone or tablet) to ensure continued access if your primary device is unavailable.

• Set up Okta FastPass on a Windows Device

  Steps to Set Up Okta FastPass

  1. Navigate to Notre Dame login page.
  2. Select ‘Sign in with Okta FastPass’.
  3. If the Okta Verify app is not already installed on your device, select the ‘Download here’ link to install the app.
     1. Select ‘Open file’ and allow the app to make changes to your device. Follow the prompts to install the app.
     2. Select ‘Finish’ to complete the installation, then continue to the next step.
  4. If the Okta Verify app is already installed, select ‘Open Okta Verify’ on the login screen. The app will open automatically.
  5. Select ‘Get Started’ and follow the on-screen prompt.
  6. Enter your Notre Dame email address (e.g., studentnumber@my.nd.edu.au) and select 'Next'.
  7. Verify your identity using an existing security method.
     Note: If no security method is set up on your account, you may not be prompted for verification.
  8. Enter your current Notre Dame password and select 'Verify'.

  Enable Windows Hello Authentication

  1. Select 'Enable' for Windows Hello confirmation.
  2. If Windows Hello is already set up on your device:
     1. Verify your identity again to complete setup.
  3. If Windows Hello is not already set up on your device:
     1. Select 'Settings' to begin setup.
     2. Navigate to ‘Accounts’, select ‘Sign-in Options’.
     3. Follow the on-screen instructions to:
        1. Set up fingerprint recognition (if available) and/or
        2. Create a PIN to complete the setup process.

  Once setup is complete, Okta FastPass will be registered and ready to use on your device.

  Refer to Windows Support for more information about Windows Hello settings.

  Use Okta FastPass for Future Notre Dame Logins

  Sign in directly with Okta FastPass

  1. Navigate to Notre Dame login page.
  2. Select 'Sign in with Okta FastPass'.
  3. Verify your identity using the fingerprint or PIN.
  4. Enter the Notre Dame Password if prompted to complete the sign-in process.

  Alternatively, If you have already entered your username on the sign in page, then you can choose “Verify with something else” to access FastPass.

  Once verified, you will be signed in to University systems. FastPass can be used whenever MFA is required for quicker access.

  Key Considerations

  • Okta FastPass works only on the device where it is set up.
  • A PC or laptop cannot be used as an MFA device for other devices.
  • It is recommended to add a backup device (such as a mobile phone or tablet) to ensure continued access if your primary device is unavailable.

How to set-up YubiKey as biometric authenticator

A Security Key (YubiKey) is a hardware-based authentication device used to securely sign in to your Notre Dame account. Users simply connect and touch the key when prompted. These keys resemble small USB flash drives and provide an additional, highly effective layer of security for your account.

If you would like to purchase your own security key, please choose from the list below, as these are supported by UNDA MFA.

Supported YubiKeys:

• YubiKey 5 Series
• YubiKey 5 FIPS Series
• YubiKey Bio Series
• Security Key Series

• Setting up YubiKey on a smart device

  Before starting the setup process, please ensure the following:

  • You have your YubiKey device ready
  • Your Notre Dame account is enrolled in at least one other security method using Okta Verify
  • You are able to successfully sign in to your account

  Important: If you do not have a smartphone to enrol in Okta Verify (OV), use a PC or laptop to complete your initial OV enrolment.

  If you do not have access to a compatible smartphone or computer, please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance with initial YubiKey setup.

  Once these requirements are met, you can proceed to enrol your YubiKey for future logins.

  1. Open a web browser on your laptop or desktop and open your login.
  2. Sign in to your Notre Dame account.
  3. Navigate to My Profile - Account Settings - Security Methods - Security Key or Biometric Authenticator.
  4. Select 'Set up'.
  5. Select 'Use another device' to begin registering your YubiKey.
  6. Navigate to 'Security Key' and select 'Next'.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue the setup.
  8. Insert your YubiKey into the USB port of your computer.
  9. When Prompted, create a 'New Security Key PIN'.
  10. Enter and confirm your PIN, then select 'OK'.
  11. Follow the on-screen prompts, touch the YubiKey twice to confirm, and then click 'OK'.
  12. Once completed, you will see a confirmation message indicating that your passkey has been successfully saved. You can now use your YubiKey to sign in to your Notre Dame account.

  You can now use your YubiKey to sign in to your Notre Dame account.

• Use YubiKey for future Notre Dame logins

  1. Navigate to Notre Dame login page.
  2. Enter your Notre Dame email address and select 'Next'.
  3. When prompted to verify your identity, select 'Security Key'
     • If another method (e.g., push notification) appears, select 'Verify with something else', then choose 'Security Key'.
  4. Insert your YubiKey and touch it when prompted to verify your identity.

  Once verification is successful, you will be signed in to University systems. You can use your YubiKey whenever MFA is required.

  Key Considerations

  • You must have your YubiKey with you each time you sign in with it.
  • It is recommended to add a backup device (such as a mobile phone or tablet) to ensure continued access if your YubiKey is unavailable.

Why is MFA important?

Single Sign-On (SSO) and MFA adds an extra layer of security through additional forms of authentication.

• MFA is a multi-step account login process that requires two or more methods of authentication to verify your identity before granting you access to online applications and services.
• MFA helps keep your personal information private and secure by requiring both a password and a second verification factor to authenticate your identity when logging in.
• MFA makes it difficult for a cyber attacker who has your password to access your account or breach our university systems. This will help protect sensitive information, for example:
  • address and contact details
  • banking details
  • medical information
  • emergency contact information
  • academic results

FAQs

• How do I sign in to my Notre Dame account?

  Before signing in, ensure you have your Notre Dame username, password, and access to your MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) device.

  Sign in with Okta FastPass

  1. Go to the Notre Dame login page.
  2. Select Sign in with Okta FastPass.
  3. Verify your identity using your device PIN, fingerprint, or password.
  4. Enter your Notre Dame password to complete sign-in.

  Note: Okta FastPass only works on a device where Okta Verify is installed and registered with your Notre Dame account.

  Sign in with your ND email address

  1. Enter your ND email address (for example, studentID@my.nd.edu.au  ) and select Next.
  2. Choose one of the available verification methods:
     1. Enter a code – Open the Okta Verify app and enter the displayed code.
     2. Get a push notification – Approve the sign-in request sent to your registered device.
     3. Use Okta FastPass – Verify using your device PIN, fingerprint, or password.
  3. Enter your Notre Dame password and select Verify.

  You are now signed in to your Notre Dame account.

• What should I do if my account activation link has expired?

  Your account activation link expires 7 days after the email is sent. If the link has expired, you may see the following message:

  "Your reset password token is no longer valid. Contact your administrator to obtain a new token."

  If you have not yet set your password:

  • Please contact the IT Service Desk to request a new activation link.

  If you have already set your password:

  1. Go to the Notre Dame login page.
  2. Sign in using your username (provided in the activation email) and your existing password.
  3. Continue setting up your preferred Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method.

• I don’t have a compatible smartphone or computer for MFA?

  You can still complete your multi-factor authentication setup using a YubiKey as an alternative authentication method.

  • You must first activate your account and register at least one MFA method before you can self-enrol a YubiKey.
  • Refer to the YubiKey guidelines for further information.
  • If you do not have access to a compatible smartphone or computer to complete the initial MFA setup, please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance with your initial YubiKey setup.

• How do I add new device (phone or tablet) for authentication?

  Important: If Okta Verify is already set up on an existing smartphone, set it up on your new smart device before removing it from your old device. Make sure to keep your old device available for authentication during this setup.

  Steps to add new smart device for MFA

  1. Sign in to your Notre Dame account.
  2. Navigate to Account settings - Security Methods - Okta Verify - Setup Another.
  3. Verify your identity using any authentication method already set up on your account.
  4. Select ‘Set up Okta Verify on a mobile device’ to continue to setup on new smart device.
  5. On your new smart device, install the Okta Verify app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  6. Open the Okta Verify app on your smart device and follow the prompts to add a new account.
  7. Choose account type: ‘Organisation’.
  8. Select 'Skip' as you're not adding Okta Verify from another device.
  9. Use the app to scan the QR code displayed on your laptop screen.
  10. Enable PIN/biometric security screen lock by selecting ‘Enable’ and then select ‘Done’. (Enabling a security screen lock is mandatory to protect your account. Okta Verify cannot be set up without this security feature).

  Once setup is complete, your new smart device will be successfully linked, allowing you to use multiple devices for authentication.

  Remove old MFA device from your Notre Dame account

  1. If you want to remove your old device, click 'Remove' next to it under Security Methods.
  2. Ensure your new device is fully set up and working before removing the old one to avoid losing access.

• How do I add my Notre Dame account from existing device to new device for MFA?

  Follow below instruction to add your Notre Dame account from one device to another device for MFA.

  1. On the device that already has MFA set up for your Notre Dame account, open the Okta Verify app.
  2. In the app, navigate to your Notre Dame account details and select the option to 'Add account to another device'.
  3. Enter security Pin or Use biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) to verify your identity and follow the onscreen prompt.
  4. An unique QR code will be displayed. If needed, an 8-digit code will also be shown as an alternative for adding the account to the new device.
  5. On the device where you want to add your Notre Dame account for MFA, install the Okta Verify app if you haven't already.
  6. Open the app and select 'Add account from another device' and follow the onscreen prompt.
  7. Scan the QR code displayed on your existing device, or alternatively, enter the 8-digit code shown on that device.
  8. You will be prompted to enter the 6-digit PIN displayed on your new device to complete the setup on the old device.
  9. To enable biometric security, select 'Enable’ and then select ‘Done' to confirm and finish setting up Okta Verify on your new device.

  You can now use both devices to complete MFA and sign in to your Notre Dame account.

• I’m unable to download the Okta Verify app on my iPhone or iPad, what should I do?

  If you’re unable to download the Okta Verify app on your iPhone or iPad, please try the following:

  1. Check whether your device is a supported platform for Okta Verify.
  2. Make sure you have an Apple account. To download apps from the Apple App Store, you need an Apple account. If you don’t already have one, please follow the steps outlined to create a new Apple ID. Once your account is set up, try downloading the Okta Verify app again.
  3. If your device is supported but you're still unable to download the app, please contact the Notre Dame  IT Service Desk for further assistance.

• I’ve tried to download Okta Verify app to my mobile device, but it won’t download.

  If you are unable to download Okta Verify on your mobile device, first check if your device is supported, Supported platforms for Okta Verify.

  If your device is supported but you're still unable to download the app, or if your device is not supported, please contact the Notre Dame IT Service Desk for further assistance.

• Can I use Okta Verify App for MFA authentication without internet?

  Yes, you can use the Okta Verify app for MFA even when there is no internet or network coverage. However, please note the following:

  • InitialSetup
    You will need an internet connection during the initial setup to add your Notre Dame account to Okta Verify and register your device (Android phone/tablet or iPhone/iPad). This step requires an active network connection.
  • OfflineAuthentication
    Once your account is registered, you can use the 'Enter the code' option to sign in to your Notre Dame account without needing internet or network access. The code displayed on your device can be entered for authentication without any active connection.

• What happens if I get a new phone?

  The Okta Verify app will continue to work even if you change your SIM card, mobile provider, or phone number. However, if you change your phone, you’ll need to transfer your MFA.

  Please contact our Notre Dame IT Service Desk in case of any assistance.

• Can I delete the Okta Verify app?

  You should never delete or uninstall your Okta Verify app while your account is active – this could stop you from being able to log into your account.

  If you’ve uninstalled the Okta Verify app, you’ll need to contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.

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