2-Step Verification (also known as two-factor authentication):
- is an extra layer of security for your account.
- helps keep out anyone who shouldn’t have access to your account by requiring you to verify access to a trusted device or token after you enter your password.
Because 2-Step Verification requires both something you know (your password) and something you have (a trusted device or token), it’s much harder for hackers to gain access. This way, even if your password is stolen, a hacker won’t be able to sign in to your account without the physical device or token.
NOTE: NEIU ONLY SUPPORTS GOOGLE SMS OR AUTHENTICATOR APP FOR 2FA.
Setting Up Google Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with SMS Code
1. Log into your NEIU account: https://nmail.neiu.edu. Select Nmail, then, select Manage your Google Account.
2. Select the right arrow beside 2-Step Verification is Off.
NOTE: YOU MAY BE PROMPTED TO LOG INTO YOUR NMAIL ACCOUNT AGAIN.
3. Click on Turn on 2-Step Verification.
4. A window will pop up requesting a telephone number. Add the number you want to use to receive the 2-FA authentication code.
After adding your telephone number, click Next.
After adding your telephone number, you will receive an SMS message from Google with a code starting with G-XXXXXX.
5. Enter the G-XXXX code in the Google window to verify your number.
After you enter the code in Google, your account is now enabled to use Google 2FA. You will see a window confirming 2FA.
Setting Up Google 2FA with the Google Authenticator App
1. To set up Google 2FA with the Google Authenticator App on your phone, launch the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone) and download the Google Authenticator app.
2. After downloading the app to your phone, Select Add Authenticator App on the computer.
3. Select Set Up authenticator.
A QR code will be presented on the computer screen.
4. Click on the “+” symbol on the Google Authenticator App.
5. Scan the QR code using the Google Authenticator app on your phone and click Next.
The Google Authenticator app will automatically register your email and generate a code.
6. Enter the code from the authentication app into the Google window on your computer as shown below and click Verify.
Your Google account window will confirm your 2FA authenticator is now added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to use Google 2FA?
A: Yes. Google 2FA is designed to protect your user account against phishing attacks. For this reason, you will not be able to access your user account unless you have Google 2FA enabled.
Q: Do I need a smartphone to use Google 2FA?
A: You need a smartphone to use the Google Authenticator app OR
A: You can register your telephone number to receive Google 2FA SMS codes sent to your regular phone if you do not have a smartphone.
Q: Where can I download the Google Authenticator app?
A: From Google or Apple Store.
Q: I already have an authenticator app on my phone but not the Google Authentication app. Can I use my existing authenticator app?
A: No. You will need to download the Google Authenticator app.
Q: I am a student employee and already use DUO MFA. Do I still need to use Google 2FA?
A: No. As a student employee, you do not need to use Google 2FA. When your employment ends, you will need to use Google 2FA to protect your user account.
Q: Do I still need to use a strong password if I have Google 2FA?
A: Absolutely! A strong password is the first protection against password cracking. The stronger your password, the harder it is for hackers to guess it.