Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication for Populi

Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication for Populi

To protect your data in Populi, NIMAA has enabled functionality known as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or login approval. Login approval will only be required when you log in to Populi the first time on a new device (e.g. computer, phone, tablet) or new browser (e.g. Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge). Subsequent logins from that same device will not require you to approve your login.

Authenticator Apps

To use login approval, you must have an authenticator app installed on one of your devices (e.g. computer, phone). Numerous authenticator apps are available, but below are links to a few you can install:
  1. Phone only:
    1. Google Authenticator
  2. Phone and/or computer:
    1. Microsoft Authenticator: This app can also be used to authenticate your NIMAA.edu Office 365 account.
    2. WinAuth (Windows only)

Authentication Process

  1. Install an authenticator app on your smartphone or computer.
  2. Log in to Populi in a new browser or using a new device (phone, iPad, a new computer, etc.). The first time you do so, the system will display the following message. 


    Important Note: While it states that the authenticator apps only work on a smartphone, if you do not have one, Authy also offers desktop support. 
  3. If you are using an app on your mobile phone to authenticate Populi:
    1. Open the authenticator app on your mobile device.
    2. Click Next in the browser in which you opened Populi. A QR code displays with instructions for pairing the authentication app with Populi.

    3. Scan the QR code using the authenticator app. If you are on a phone and cannot scan the app, click View code and copy the code displayed.
    4. Set up the account in your authenticator app using the instructions provided by the app. After it is set up, it will generate a six digit verification code  for you.
    5. Enter your Populi password and the six digit code generated by the authenticator app.
    6. Then click Next.
    7. The system will generate a recovery code. Make sure to write this down and store in a safe place.
    8. You will be asked once again to enter a six digit code from authenticator app to log in to Populi. Enter that code and click Verify.
      You will now be logged into the system.
  4. If you are using an app on your computer to authenticate Populi, follow the instructions below. You can also click here to watch a video created by Populi.
    1. Open the authenticator app on your computer.
    2. Click Next in the browser in which you opened Populi. The screen above displays.
    3. Click View code.

    4. Copy this code (select it and click Ctrl+C).
    5. In the authenticator app:
      1. Click + to add a new account (or similar - this action may vary based on the app you are using).
      2. Paste (click Ctrl+P) the code you just copied from Populi into the requested code field. Different apps call this field by a different name - e.g. secret code, setup key).
      3. Name the account (e.g. Populi).
      4. Save the account, if needed.
    6. Return to Populi, enter your Populi password and the six digit code generated by your authenticator app. Click Next.
    7. The system will generate a recovery code. Make sure to write this down and store in a safe place.
    8. You will be asked once again to enter a code from your authenticator app to log in to Populi. Enter that code, and click Verify.
You will now be logged into the system and that device (or browser) is now "recognized"; recognized devices do not require a passcode for future logins.

No Longer Have Access to Original Authenticator App?

If for some reason you no longer has access to the authentication method you originally set up for Populi (e.g. you lost your phone or got a new one but didn't transfer over the app), and you can still log in to Populi, you can reset your authentication on your own. To do so:
  1. Log in to the platform.
  2. Click the down arrow next to your name in the top right and select Settings from the drop-down.
  3. The My Settings page displays. Click Security in the left nav on that page.
  4. Scroll down to the section entitled Login approvals.

  5. Click Change Devices.A popup will display starting the process of enabling you to restart the process of setting up authentication with a different device/authenticator.
  6. Follow the instructions above for setting up authentication.
If you're not able to access the system at all, contact NIMAA at info@nimaa.edu to reset your authentication method. You will then be required to restart the process of setting up authentication, as described above. you can remove the old authentication method by going to their account in Populi.

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