Set up the verification method of your choice
All VIU students, employees and associates will need to have 2SV set up on their computer account. You will not be prompted for 2SV while on campus except when accessing sensitive applications like VPN.
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Option 1 - Microsoft Authenticator App (Recommended)
- Download the Microsoft Authenticator App on your iPhone or Android device (it's free)
- Launch the application
- If asked to share data with Microsoft, choose No
- Tap Add work or school account
- Follow the instructions to sign-in to your VIU Account
If you already have the Microsoft Authenticator installed and setup with another account you can add your VIU Account to it by launching the App, clicking the +, choosing Work or school account and then following the instructions.
If you run into any problems please make note of where you were in the setup process, what error you received and contact IT
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Option 2 - Security Key with a Passkey (alternative to the Microsoft Authenticator App)
Please see our article about Passwordless Authentication and using Passkeys
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Option 3 - Hardware Token (Deprecated, employees only)
IT used to provide hardware tokens to employees as an alternative to the Microsoft Authenticator App. These tokens are being phased out in favour of Security Keys with Passkeys. If you still have a hardware token you can continue using it until the battery dies or it is lost/damaged at which point we recommend switching to Option 1 - Microsoft Authenticator App.
If using the Microsoft Authenticator App is not possible then see our article about Passwordless Authentication and using Passkeys.
FAQ
- Can I use Text Message or Voice for 2SV?
- As of February 1, 2026 Microsoft has discontinued the use of these methods for 2SV.
- VIU has disabled Text Message or Voice for new accounts as of October 1, 2026 in preparation and will be contacting affected clients directly about the change.
- I am using a hardware token and I keep getting prompted to setup a passkey
- As of February 1, 2027 Microsoft no longer considers hardware tokens a secure method for 2SV. This prompt is Microsoft encouraging you to move to the Microsoft Authenticator App or a Security Key with a Passkey. Based on Microsoft's phasing out of Text Messages and Voice we assume they will do the same to hardware tokens at some point in the future. We recommend switching to the Microsoft Authenticator App or a Security Key with a Passkey.
- Can the Microsoft Authenticator be used on a jail broken Android or iPhone?
- As of July 1, 2026 Microsoft no longer allows adding accounts to the Microsoft Authenticator App on jail broken devices.
- Can I use multiple devices for 2SV?
- Yes. You can install the Microsoft Authenticator and sign-in to it on multiple devices. You can also use then Microsoft Authenticator App and a Security Key as an alternative/backup method.
Additional Information