Setting up Microsoft Authenticator as second factor for VPN

This user guide will help you setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app as a second factor for multi-factor authentication for VPN.

Requirements

  • a device (i.e. laptop) on which you want to use VPN with multi-factor authentication 
  • a mobile device with Android or iOS (iPhone or iPad) and a precisely set time for the app Microsoft Authenticator

Android

Search for Microsoft Authenticator in the Google Play Store and tap Install.

Screenshot installing Microsoft Authenticator


Open the app.

You will be asked whether Microsoft Authenticator is allowed to send notifications. It is not necessary to allow notifications for the use with VPN.

Screenshot notifications


Tap Accept. Also note the app’s privacy statement.

Screenshot accepting privacy statement


Tap Continue to complete the initial setup of the app.

Screenshot setting up Microsoft Authenticator


Tap on Scan a QR code.

Screenshot scanning QR code


Allow the app to take pictures and videos by tapping While using the app or Only this time.

Screenshot allowing camera access

 

  1. In the browser of your other device (i.e. laptop) that you want to use VPN on, open the form Setting up second factor
  2. Click on Setting up TOTP authentication app.

Screenshot setting up TOTP authentication app


Now scan the QR code displayed there with your mobile device.

Screenshot scanning QR code

An account with the name ZID Universität Wien has now been added to the authentication app. Below this, a one-time password is displayed, which is renewed every 30 seconds. The number in the circle next to the one-time password shows how much time you have until the next one-time password is generated.

Now enter this one-time password in the One-time password field of the form and click OK before the time expires.

Screenshot entering one-time password


Multi-factor authentication is now activated.

Screenshot authentification app activated

 Note

For user guides on how to subsequently log on to the VPN with multi-factor authentication, see Establishing a VPN connection.

iOS

Search for Microsoft Authenticator in the App Store and install the app by tapping GET.

Screenshot installing Microsoft Authenticator


Open the app.

Tap Accept. Also note the app’s privacy statement.

Screenshot accepting privacy statement


Tap Continue to complete the initial setup of the app.

Screenshot setting up Microsoft Authenticator


Tap on Scan a QR code.

Screenshot scanning QR code


Tap OK, to allow access to the camera.

Screenshot allow access to camera

 

 

  1. In the browser of your other device (i.e. laptop) that you want to use VPN on, open the form Setting up second factor
  2. Click on Setting up TOTP authentication app.

Screenshot setting up TOTP authentification app


Now scan the QR code displayed there with your mobile device.

Screenshot scanning QR code


An account with the name ZID Universität Wien has now been added to the authentication app. Below this, a one-time password is displayed, which is renewed every 30 seconds. The number in the circle next to the one-time password shows how much time you have until the next one-time password is generated.

Screenshot account added


Now enter this one-time password in the One-time password field of the form and click OK before the time expires.

Screenshot entering one-time password


Multi-factor authentication is now activated.

Screenshot multi-factor authentication activated

 Note

For user guides on how to subsequently log on to the VPN with multi-factor authentication, see Establishing a VPN connection.