Before your Start You Will Need:
All employee and student accounts require multifactor authentication.Your MFA verification device is not your computer, but another device that you have with you, such as your mobile phone.
It is easy to get set up with MFA and the whole process should take 3-5 minutes to complete.
1. Download Okta Verify on your mobile device. App store: Android / iPhone
2. Go to https://weblogin.usi.edu on a computer and sign in
Okta Verify is recommended, but Google Authenticator is also available.
If a mobile phone is not an option for your multifactor device, you can purchase a USB security key, which looks like a small flash drive. Please visit this page for more information on the USB security keys.
We do not recommend using SMS or voice call for MFA because they are less secure.
If you forget your device or if it stops working, you can request an MFA bypass for the day. Contact the IT Service Desk at 812-465-1080, or use the self-service bypass MFA form. If calling the Help Desk, you will be required to verify your identity, and then your account will be configured to not require MFA until the next business day. Please note when setting this up it may take up to one hour to take effect, although it usually is much quicker.
If you are configured with Okta Verify, you will need to re-enroll for MFA with your new phone. Learn how do do this here or contact the IT Service Desk at 812-465-1080 for assistance in setting this up.
You may see an MFA pop-up on your phone when you are not working, or while you are working but not from your location. If you don’t recognize it – don’t approve it! It may mean a hacker has gotten your password and is trying to access your account.
USI runs a number of services in the cloud, and some of these are hosted in Chicago. If the pop-up coincides with when you are logging in to something you should be fine to approve it. But if it doesn’t make sense – don’t approve it!
Once you have enrolled in MFA you can add or change your authentication options
Yes, these will work with Okta. However, using the Okta Verify app is simpler, so we recommend it.
Physical USB security keys are useful when you do not have a cell phone to use as your MFA device. They also provide the highest security for logons and are the most difficult for a hacker to get past. USB security keys have to be purchased, so we don’t anticipate most people will use them. However, in cases where you have no cell phone or the highest security is needed you can purchase a key and use it as your second factor device.