[Important] Regarding Multi-Factor Authentication on keio.jp 

📢 Introduction

Important Notice Regarding Security Enhancement for keio.jp Users (Excluding Alumni and Guarantors)

As a countermeasure against the recent increase in unauthorized access, we have made the setup and use of "Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)" mandatory when logging into keio.jp.

Consequently, it is no longer possible to sign in using only your "Keio ID" and "Password." We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the secure use of our services.

(Reference) Multi-factor authentication setting count data 

🗓️ Schedule

End of Regular Use for Phone/SMS Authentication

Global security standards warn of the risks of "unauthorized third-party use" via phone/SMS authentication due to the potential for verification code interception or communication eavesdropping. Consequently, transitioning to more secure authentication methods has been highly recommended in recent years.

Okta, the provider of the keio.jp authentication platform, also deprecates Phone/SMS authentication and strongly recommends alternatives like "Passkey (Biometrics/PIN)."

To enhance security and improve user convenience, the regular use of Phone/SMS authentication will be phased out starting August 2026.

For the detailed timeline, please check the "Discontinuation Schedule for Regular Use of Phone/SMS Authentication" section below on this page.

⚠️ Please Note:

Even after the end of its regular use, you can still register and use Phone/SMS authentication exclusively as a recovery method. However, please be aware that you will no longer be able to log into the keio.jp portal site using Phone/SMS authentication.

Please ensure you register an alternative authentication factor other than Phone/SMS authentication before your respective discontinuation date.

To configure your multi-factor authentication, please refer to the "keio.jp MFA Setup Manual."

What Is SMS Authentication and Is It Secure?

• https://www.okta.com/blog/identity-security/sms-authentication/ 

[Global Trends & External Reference Articles]

• Two-factor authentication using SMS: Why Google is phasing it out (CNET Japan) https://japan.cnet.com/article/35229750/ (Reference: Japanese article)

• Google Considers Phasing Out SMS Code Verification—How Will It Improve? (Lifehacker Japan) https://www.lifehacker.jp/article/2505-google-is-ditching-sms-code-verification/ (Reference: Japanese article)

• Microsoft urges move away from SMS multi-factor authentication, encourages transition to passkeys (Mynavi News TECH+) https://news.mynavi.jp/techplus/article/20260521-4478826/ (Reference: Japanese article)

Discontinuation Schedule for Regular Use of Phone/SMS Authentication

Students (Regular Programs / Campus Attendance):Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM

Staff:Monday, November 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM

Faculty:Monday, November 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Enforcement Timeline

Students (Regular Programs / Campus Attendance): Monday, February 9, 2026 (Enforced)

Students (Correspondence Courses): Friday, May 1, 2026 (Enforced)

Staff: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 (Enforced)

Faculty: Monday, June 1, 2026 (Enforced)

🔐 What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

MFA adds a second verification step using your smartphone, in addition to your traditional password.
Think of it as adding a second lock to your front door.
Even if someone steals your password, they cannot login without the "second key" (your smartphone), drastically improving security.

Request for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Registration

To enhance security, please register your authentication factors for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

We strongly recommend registering two or more authentication methods to ensure you can still access your account in the event of device loss or hardware failure.

Recommended Methods:

• For Backup/Recovery: Phone (SMS or Voice).

• For Daily Use (Smartphone): Passkey (Biometrics / PIN) or the Okta Verify app.

• For Daily Use (PC): Passkey (Biometrics / PIN) .

To set up your Multi-Factor Authentication, please refer to the "keio.jp MFA Setup Manual"

✨ Go "Passwordless" for Convenience
You might think, "Authenticating twice every time seems troublesome."
By setting up the recommended Passwordless method, you can skip entering your password entirely.
Log in securely and easily just by tapping your phone or using Face/Fingerprint ID.

✅ Recommended Methods (Choose one)

① Okta Verify App
    Install the app on your smartphone to use “Face ID” or “Touch ID.” No more password entries!
    You can also use the authentication method where you check and tap notifications sent to your phone.

② Passkey (Biometrics/PIN) 

　Use your device's Face ID, Fingerprint, or PIN. No password typing needed! 

For details about Passkey, please see below.
What is passkey authentication?（MACNICA）

✈️ For Those Traveling Overseas

Depending on your destination country and network environment, some authentication methods may become unavailable. To prepare for any unexpected issues, please register multiple authentication methods in advance.

For Smartphone / Tablet Users: We highly recommend combining "Passkey (Biometrics/PIN)" with either "Okta Verify App" or "TOTP".

For PC Users: We recommend using "Passkey (Biometrics/PIN)".

For Those Acquiring a Device Locally (Overseas): You can authenticate by either registering a "Synced Passkey" beforehand, or by registering a "FIDO Security Key" as a keio.jp authentication factor and bringing it with you to your destination.

📌 Notes:

Synced Passkeys include Microsoft Authenticator/Password Manager, iCloud Keychain, and Google Password Manager (using a non-keio.jp Google account).

FIDO Security Keys must be purchased separately by the user.

📖 Multi-Factor Authentication Setup Procedure

If you need to set up multi-factor authentication, please refer to the "keio.jp MFA Setup Manual" 

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

For frequently asked questions (FAQ) about multi-factor authentication, please refer to the following page.

・About keio.jp Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)