Multi-Factor Authentication Setup

Senior IT Project Manager

5-min read

Set Up MFA for the First Time

Set up your password and password security questions.

Choose a security question or create a security question.

Once you’ve completed your security question, it’s time to set up your password. Click the Set Up button. Choose a strong password that includes:

At least 10 characters.
A lowercase and uppercase letter.
A number and symbol.
Does not include identifying information (i.e., your name or username)

Now, let’s select a security method. Choose one for now. You can always change it later by going to login.wsu.edu and Settings (see below). You can remove, reset, or add a new security method.

When you sign into WSU applications, you’ll enter your username (the first part of your email address before @wsu.edu) and password. Then, you’ll be prompted to enter a code sent via text or phone call (the option you chose when creating your account).

Set Up Extra Verification Methods

Some find that the MFA text message codes work well for them, but we recommend setting up the Okta Verify app as an extra verification method. Okta Verify is a mobile application that you use for Multi-Factor Authentication. We like this method because it only requires the push of a button to authenticate, rather than typing in a six-digit code sent via text.

This method also works better when you are in an area with poor cell reception (like many hospitals and clinics), which can delay the text verifications from reaching you.

Sign in to your account at account.wsu.edu.
Scroll down to Extra Verification.
Choose the extra verification steps that you would like to enable. We recommend using Okta Verify, but you can read about the other options on the WSU Multi-Factor Authentication site.
Click Set up Okta Verify. Select your device type and follow on-screen prompts to continue the set-up process.
Download the  Okta Verify app for your device, or search for the app in  Google Play or the App Store. After installing, be sure to allow access to your camera. You’ll use the camera to scan a QR code.
Once you scan the QR code, you should be all done!

How Does Okta Verify Work?

After entering your username and password to sign in to a WSU site, click or tap Send Push to your device.
Then, you’ll receive a notification on your phone: Did you try to sign in?
Open the Okta Verify application, and choose Yes, it’s me.
After a few seconds, the sign-in screen will disappear, and you’ll be logged into whatever site you were accessing.

A Note about MFA and WSU Email

You should always use Outlook to check your WSU email. Through WSU, you have access to the full Office 365 suite, including Outlook, Word, OneDrive, and more. Because of the MFA process, you should plan to use Outlook to access WSU email. Email forwarding will not be permitted. 

Click this link to see instructions on installing and setting up Outlook on all devices.