Directions - Skyward - Multifactor Authentication

Some staff who have access to secure areas in Educator Access and Employee Access are now required to go through Multifactor Authentication. The first factor in demonstrating you should have access is your username and password. Skyward needs to authenticate that the request for access is not coming from a person who has stolen that information. It does that by requesting a second authentication from a second personal device. Below are instructions for set up and use of that second authenticator.

Step 1

Open Skyward

When your Skyward account first requires multifactor authentication you will not be able to pass the screen shown on the right until you follow the directions it provides or follow the more detailed directions on this page.

Step 2

Download a SmartPhone Authenticator

You will need to use a personal cell phone/tablet to load an authenticator app. Google Authenticator is shown in the directions below because it is the app we encourage you use. The example below uses an iPhone. If you choose a different app or SmartPhone it will may be different than shown in the example.

A. In the app store, search for Google Authenticator.

B. Verify you have the correct application by looking for this icon.

C. If you already have the app downloaded you will have the option to 'Open' it. If you have not downloaded it yet you will have the option to 'Get' the app. Select the button and follow directions on your phone to install the app. Select 'Open' when it appears.

Step 3

Use Your School Account

A. Select your school user account. If your school user account is not already on your phone select 'Add another account' and follow instructions on your phone to add your school account.

B. Select the button to 'Continue as...'

Step 4

Add a Code

A. Select the 'Add a code' button or the + button in the bottom right corner.

Step 5

Scan the QR Code

A. Select 'Scan a QR Code'

B. Select 'Allow' to authorize the app to use your camera.

C. Hold your phone so that the green square showing on your phone surrounds the QR code on the computer screen.

Step 6

Type in Your Code

A. The six digit code that appears on your phone...

B. ...needs to be typed into the 'Code' field on your computer screen...

C. ...and you need to select the 'Save' button...

D. ...before the 30 second timer runs out and resets the code.

(If the timer runs out, it gives you a new code to try and resets the timer for another 30 seconds).

Step 7

Retry?

A. For some staff, the first connection has not been successful and it was necessary to return to step 4 or these directions to add a second code. You may also need to add a second code if you have access to both Employee Access and Educator Access.

B. Once successful you may want to delete the code that doesn't work or rename your accounts so you know which code is used for each system. Do that by long-pressing the timer or swiping to the left.

C. If you want to rename select the pencil icon and type in a new name (i.e. Employee Access or Educator Access).

D. If you want to delete a dysfunctional account, select the trash can icon.

Step 8

Additional Login Screen

The next time you enter your username and password to log into Skyward you will be shown a new screen requesting you to 'Enter the Code from your Authenticator App'.

A. Open your Authenticator App and type the code into the 'Security Code' field within the allotted time.

C. Select the 'Sign in' button.

You may check the box, if one appears, allowing the login to trust the device you are on. If selected your device will not require you reenter the authenticator security code for up to 90 days.

Further detail and options to set up Multifactor Authentication can be found in this Skyward Publication.

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