Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

This method requires you to follow these instructions using only your mobile device. 

A video guide (the yellow one) is at the bottom of this page but here is the text version.

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator App to your mobile device. This is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

   Important: Do not try to sign in or use this app just yet - Just have it downloaded. Once downloaded, follow these steps.

    

2. Use your web browser (Chrome or Safari) and go to: go.rave.ac.uk/activate
3. Enter your Ravensbourne username and password.
   
   Students: enter your 9number and include “@rave.ac.uk" (e.g. [email protected])
   Staff: enter your email address (e.g. [email protected])
    
4. You’ll see the page Let's keep your account secure. Click Next to begin
5. Select “Next” on the screens that follow until you see:
   "Pair your account to the app by clicking this link" 

Now look out for these sequence of events...

1. The Microsoft Authenticator app will open automatically and create a pair.
2. Minimise the Authenticator app and return to your web browser and click Next.
3. A code will appear on your browser screen.
4. A notification will be sent to your phone. Tap on it to open the Authenticator app.
5. Enter the code displayed on your browser into the app.
6. Return to your web browser and click Next, then Done.
7. You will now be prompted to change your password. 
   Enter your new password
    

• Must be at least 14 characters in length.
• Must not contain common passwords, or words or elements of your REAL NAME or things easily associated with you personally. Our systems will reject words such as Ravensbourne, London, Arsenal, and March etc automatically
• Must include characters from at least 3 of the 4 following categories:
  • Uppercase letters of European languages (A through Z).
  • Lowercase letters of European languages (a through z).
  • Numeric digits (0 through 9).
  • Non-alphanumeric characters
     

1. Once your new password is set, take the time to add more MFA options to avoid losing access to your account. For example, when you have forgotten or lose your mobile you could use your iPad or personal email address as MFA methods.
2. Select “Add sign-in method”
3. Configure another option of your choice.
4. Note: Microsoft Authenticator app cannot be installed on your computer or laptop. 

Congratulations! Your MFA set up is now complete.
You’ll be prompted to approve sign-ins via the Authenticator app going forward so don't delete the app.

New to Ravensbourne? 

Return to the IT account activation page to complete STEPS 2 and 3

This method requires you to follow these instructions on a computer, using your mobile device when indicated.

A video guide (the blue one) is at the bottom of this page but here is the text version.

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator App to your mobile device. This is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

   Important: Do not try to sign in or use this app just yet - Just have it downloaded. Once downloaded, follow these steps.

    

2. Using your computer or laptop, use your web browser (Chrome or Safari) and go to: go.rave.ac.uk/activate
3. Enter your Ravensbourne username and password.
   
   Students: enter your 9number and include “@rave.ac.uk" (e.g. [email protected])
   Staff: enter your email address (e.g. [email protected])
    
4. You’ll see the page Let's keep your account secure. Click Next to begin
5. Select Authenticator App as your method
6. Select Receive notifications for verification
7. Click Set up to generate a QR code
8. Launch the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile phone.
9. Tap the + icon (top-right corner)
10. Select Work or school account
11. Tap Scan a QR code
12. Use your phone camera to scan the QR code displayed on your computer

1. Your university account will be added to the app
2. On your desktop, click Next
3. Approve the sign-in notification sent to your phone by entering the number shown on your computer screen.
4. Review the success notification on the computer screen, select next, and then select done
5. You will now be prompted to change your password. 
   Enter your new password
    

• Must be at least 14 characters in length.
• Must not contain common passwords, or words or elements of your REAL NAME or things easily associated with you personally. Our systems will reject words such as Ravensbourne, London, Arsenal, and March etc automatically
• Must include characters from at least 3 of the 4 following categories:
  • Uppercase letters of European languages (A through Z).
  • Lowercase letters of European languages (a through z).
  • Numeric digits (0 through 9).
  • Non-alphanumeric characters
     

6. Once your new password is set, take the time to add more MFA options to avoid losing access to your account. For example, when you have forgotten or lose your mobile you could use your iPad or personal email address as MFA methods.
7. Select “Add sign-in method”
8. Configure another option of your choice.

• Note: Microsoft Authenticator app cannot be installed on your computer or laptop. 

Congratulations! Your MFA set up is now complete.
You’ll be prompted to approve sign-ins via the Authenticator app going forward so don't delete the app.

New to Ravensbourne? 

Return to the IT account activation page to complete STEPS 2 and 3

When switching phones, simply transferring data/photos (or a backup/restore) from your old phone to your new phone won’t re-establish your MFA account. 
Note: You may see the Microsoft Authenticator app (and account) on your new smartphone, but they will not work, the unique link will be broken. 
 

If you still have access to your old phone:

Please follow the steps in this guide (requires both your old and new phone): 
Transfer the Microsoft Authenticator app to a new phone prior to factory resetting your old phone. 

If you no longer have access to your old phone:

You will need to log a ticket to recover your IT account.
Note: ID verification will be required if you don't attend the IT Service Desk in-person

Try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Ensure your device has an active internet connection.
• Check that notifications are enabled for the Microsoft Authenticator app in your phone’s settings.
• Update the app to the latest version.
   

If issues persist, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.

If you forget your password:
 

1. Visit the Password Recovery & Management page.
2. Follow the instructions to reset your password.
3. Use the new password to log in and authenticate with the Microsoft Authenticator app.

To install the Microsoft Authenticator App your mobile requires iOS 14.0/Android 8.0 or later, but you can use an SMS or phone call-based authentication method with older devices. If you don’t have a mobile phone, consider if you have a tablet that has wi-fi capabilities.

You can also provide a landline number, although a landline should only be a last resort for MFA as you’ll likely need to respond to authentication requests at a variety of different times or locations.

If you don’t believe you have an appropriate device for Multi-Factor Authentication, consider contacting the IT Service Desk for further guidance.