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titleWhat choices do I have for my 2nd factor?

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#2ndFactorChoices
#2ndFactorChoices
Is this you?

Your choices are:

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  • local employee who comes to the office

  1. the MS Authenticator app installed on your cell phone

  2. a security key/fob that you carry around

We recommend using the MS Authenticator app because it is convenient and you can use it for non-RRU MFA needs as well.

The key/fobs can be easily lost and are expensive.

  • offsite employee

  • academic contractor

  • non-academic contractor

  • students

  1. the MS Authenticator app installed on your cell phone

The MS Authenticator app is convenient and you can use it for non-RRU MFA needs as well.

The key/fobs can be easily lost and are expensive. Managing key/fobs for such a large group of people will be cost and resource prohibitive.

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titleWhat MFA method is recommended for international travel?

If you are traveling with your mobile device, use the authenticator app, which is designed to work internationally (using the verification code method). All you need is a wifi connection.

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titleWhat devices can I use to MFA?

Any smart phone with data (required for Authenticator app). When traveling out of country, please note you might require a travel pack for that country.

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titleDo I need cellular data/wi-fi and will I incur cellular data charges if I use the MS Authenticator app for my second factor?

There are two options in the MS Authenticator App, verification code, or notification.

  • If you use the notification option with the Microsoft Authenticator app on a cellular data network (not your home wi-fi), you may incur additional charges if you don’t have a data plan or if you exceed your data limit. (See below for details about data usage).

  • If you use the verification code option, no data, or cell service is required. This may be desirable for users with no data plan or who live in a location with unreliable cellular service

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titleMust we use our personal smart phones if we choose the MS Authenticator app?

We understand concerns about using personal resources for work-related purposes. However, the Microsoft Authenticator app, which we recommend for MFA, consumes minimal data—likely less than 1% of a gigabyte for the entire year. This means the impact on your data plan will be negligible.

And, if you're already using the Microsoft Authenticator app for other purposes, such as accessing your bank or investment information, adding an account for RRU is seamless. It streamlines the process and ensures consistency in your security practices across different platforms.

When/if you leave RRU, it’s easy to delete the authenticator app.

Everyone must use MFA. It is a requirement.

Special notes by group

Employees participating in flexible work arrangements (you work some days per week on campus)

Our blended work agreement indicates you may require additional personal resources to work effectively from off campus. Using your personal cell phone for MFA is one example of this.

You also have the option of using a security key (not our recommended option).

Employees who come to campus full time

If you prefer an alternative to your cell phone, you can choose to use a security key for authentication (not our recommended option).

Everyone who primarily works off campus including academic and non-academic contractors and students

There is an expectation that you have the means to access the RRU resources required to fulfill your contractual obligations and/or your school work.

We appreciate your cooperation

Whatever 2nd factor authentication method you use, you're enhancing the security of your own account(s) and contributing to the protection of sensitive student data and the integrity of our organization.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a secure work environment.

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titleHow much data is used by the Authenticator app?

We don’t have exact numbers but in 3 months, an IT staffer who relies on MS Authenticator to authenticate on multiple resources used 2 megabytes (mb) of data. For a year, that would be approximately 8mb.

One gigabyte (gb) of data is 1000 mbs. So, one can expect to use less than 1% of a gb in one year.

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titleWhat should I do if I lose the smart phone I use for MFA authentication?

If you've lost or had your mobile device stolen, you can sign in using the secondary authentication method you selected when you registered your device for MFA. If this option has not been configured, you can contact the RRU Help Desk to clear your settings. After your settings are cleared, you'll be prompted to register for two-factor authentication the next time you sign in. 

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titleWhat if get challenged for a second authentication factor and my second factor is not with me? (e.g. forgot smartphone / hardware token at home)

We recommend you have a backup device associated with your account to help prevent this issue. If you have lost the only MFA device associated with your account, contact the RRU Help Desk for assistance. The IT Support Centre can only assist you during business hours. Therefore, if you haven't set up a backup method you will have to wait until the RRU Help Desk is open. 

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titleI didn't find the answer to my question in these FAQs - where can I get help?

Contact the RRU Help Desk for assistance. 

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