Multi-factor authentication
- Part of
School staff, governors and other education stakeholders must use multi-factor authentication (MFA) if they want to log in to Hwb outside the trusted network of their school or organisation e.g. off-site. However, MFA must be set up beforehand and whilst the non-learner user is logged in to Hwb on the trusted network of their school or organisation.
Learners are not required to use MFA
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a default security setting on all non-learner accounts in Hwb. This means, if a non-learner account holder logs in to Hwb outside the trusted network of their school or organisation e.g. off-site, they must enter their username, password and a code generated by the Microsoft Authenticator app.
MFA helps to protect user accounts from phishing attacks.
Non-learner account holders must download the Microsoft Authenticator app onto an internet enabled mobile device e.g. a smartphone, and link the app to their Hwb account. Once installed, the Microsoft Authenticator app will need to be used to confirm the login either by inputting the 6 digit number generated by the authenticator app (method 1) or by matching the number displayed on the log in screen (method 2).
Users setting up MFA after 27 November 2023 will automatically use method 2 i.e. number matching, while users that have set up MFA before this date will continue to use method 1 i.e. 6 digit code. However, users wishing to switch to the quicker and easier number matching method can set this up themselves following the 'Change MFA method to number matching (method 2)' instructions below.
There are two steps to setting up multi-factor authentication:
- Download the Microsoft Authenticator app onto an internet enabled mobile device e.g. a smartphone or tablet.
- Link the Microsoft Authenticator app to your Hwb account.
You should not be prompted to use MFA when you log in to Hwb whilst connected to the trusted network of your school or organisation. If you are prompted to use MFA whilst connected to your school network or other trusted network, please contact the Hwb Service Desk: email support@hwbcymru.net or phone 03000 25 25 25 and provide them with your school or organisation external IP address. If you are unsure of your school or organisation external IP address, please contact your IT support provider who will be able to provide this information.
Further resources
- What is MFA?
- MFA on Hwb.
- Learn more about phishing and complete the short phishing awareness training module.
- Phishing: Spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls.
- Cyber security in schools: questions for governing bodies and management committees.
- Protect organisations and your own personal online accounts from cyber criminals.
- Follow the NCSC’s Cyber Aware advice to protect your online accounts from scammers seeking to steal personal details and sensitive information.
- Set up 2-step verification and use three random words passwords to prevent cyber criminals gaining access to email accounts.