Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your UARK account

Summary

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required for all student, faculty, and staff UARK accounts. After activating your UARK account, register for MFA.

Body

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of security for your UARK account that makes it more difficult for unauthorized users to access services, applications, and sensitive data. MFA combines something you know (UARK email and password) with something you have (a trusted device, like a phone). MFA is required for accessing all student, faculty, and staff UARK accounts starting at the time the account is created.

Multi-Factor Authentication Policy (UITS)

Register for MFA | Using the Authenticator app | Managing your account

Register for MFA

After setting your UARK account password, the next step is to register for MFA. You will need both your mobile device and computer in order to complete the registration steps. Make sure your mobile device is charged and with you whenever you need to access UARK services, whether on or off campus.

  1. From the web browser on your computer, go to:
    outlook.uark.edu
    and log in with your @uark.edu account information.
    If you don't remember your UARK password, see our forgotten password information.
  2. You will be asked to provide more information. Click Next.
    Note: If you do not receive this notification, you may already be registered for MFA.

    More information required. Your organization needs more information to keep your account secure. Skip for now (14 days until this is required) (link), Use a different account (link), Learn more (link) -- Next button
  3. You will be prompted to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app. 
    The Authenticator app is the recommended method for MFA. If you do not have a phone on which to set up the Authenticator app, see our article on YubiKey hard token authentication.

    Microsoft Authenticator; Start by getting the app. On your phone, install the Microsoft Authenticator app. Download now link. After you install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device, choose Next. I want to use a different authenticator app (link) -- Next button
  4. Click Download now, or use the direct link below:
  5. The first time you open the app, you will be asked to grant access and allow notifications.
    Note: You are required to allow notifications and grant access to the device camera. If you skip these steps or answer "Don't allow," the setup process cannot be completed.
    Authenticator would like to send you notifications. Notifications may include alerts, sounds, and icon badges. These can be configured in Settings. Don't Allow and Allow links
  6. From the Authenticator app, tap Add Account.
  7. Select Work or school account, and enter your UARK account information.
  8. A QR code will appear on your computer. Point your phone camera at your computer screen where the code is displayed. The code will be scanned automatically.
  9. The Authenticator app on your phone will display a 2-digit number to enter on your web browser screen. Click Yes.
  10. The Secure Info screen will appear confirming that your registration is complete. If the Default Sign-in Method listed does not say Authenticator App, click Change and then select Authenticator App from the drop-down menu. Click Confirm

After setting up MFA, when you log into a UARK online service like Outlook, Blackboard Learn, or UAConnect, you will receive a notification on your smartphone, and you will verify access to your UARK account.

Using the Authenticator app

Using the Authenticator App to Authenticate with MFA

Managing your account

Manage your account to update phone numbers, add or change sign-in method, or change default.

  1. Go to account.uark.edu and log in with your @uark.edu email address and password.
    Note: You might be required to verify your account with your current authentication method.
  2. Click Security Info from the left navigation.

Click the Add sign-in method button to add a backup phone number.

For assistance, click the Request Multi-factor Service button on the right.

Multi-factor Authentication Registration video

ADA Accessibility

Assistance is available for users needing an accommodation due to a disability. 

Faculty/Staff: Contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance at titlevii@uark.edu or 479-575-4019. Request Employee Accommodation.

Students: Contact the Center for Educational Access at ada@uark.edu or 479-575-3104.

Details

Details

Article ID: 170
Created
Sat 1/27/24 2:57 PM
Modified
Wed 1/15/25 2:48 PM
Audience
All University of Arkansas faculty, staff, and students
Related Policies and Guidelines
ADA Accessibility
Assistance is available for users needing an accommodation due to a disability.
Faculty/Staff: Contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance at titlevii@uark.edu or 479-575-4019.
Students: Contact the Center for Educational Access at ada@uark.edu or 479-575-3104.

Related Articles

Related Articles (3)

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for MFA connections to the University of Arkansas network and information systems on and off campus.
The hard token is an alternative method for those who are unable to use the Authenticator app or other phone options for multi-factor authentication.
The easiest and most secure method for multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Related Services / Offerings

Related Services / Offerings (1)

Attachments

pdf

uark-new-account.pdf Computer

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