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University of Cambridge

Universities · cam.ac.uk

Five second factors on offer: authenticator app, approval in an app, hardware token, text message and phone call. The strongest is an authenticator app.

Recommended setup

Authenticator app

Codes made on your phone, offline. Much safer than a text message, which can be stolen with a SIM swap.

AppAuthenticator appBest option
PushApproval in an appMicrosoft Authenticator
TokenHardware tokenSafeID token
SMSText messageSupported
CallPhone callSupported

Not offered: security key, email code.

Switch it on

General steps; menu names vary. University of Cambridge's own guide has the exact screens.

  1. Sign in to University of Cambridge and open your account's security settings. Look for two-step verification or two-factor authentication. University of Cambridge's own guide shows the exact screens.
  2. Choose authenticator app. A QR code appears.
  3. Open your authenticator app, add an account and scan the QR code. Type the 6-digit code it shows to confirm.
  4. Save the backup codes. Keep them in your password manager or print them; they're your way back in if you lose your phone or key.
University of Cambridge's setup guide ↗

Before you start

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The directory lists University of Cambridge for: GB.