Configuring Advanced Authentication TOTP Method

Configuring Authentication time-Based one time password method

Method

One method to use as your Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is a smart phone authenticator app like Google Authenticator for Time-Based One Time Passwords (TOTP). The following instructions guide you through this process. This method does require an Emergency Password which can be obtained by contacting the Technology Help Desk at 231-995-3020 or via chat at nmc.edu/help during regular business hours.

Installation

This method requires the use of a smart phone, the installation of an authenticator app like Google Authenticator, and the use of a secondary device that can use a web browser. The authenticator of your choice can be from the App Store on iOS devices or the Google Play Store on Android devices. This guide uses images and examples from the Google Authenticator, however you are free to use a different authenticator of your choice.

Configuration

In order to use the TOTP method you need to link your app with NMC’s systems. Go to auth.nmc.edu on your computer and log in with your NMCID and password.

!!! IMPORTANT !!!

If you have never logged into auth.nmc.edu before then you MUST contact the helpdesk during regular business hours for assistance. You will NOT be able to log into the website without their assistance.

Once you have logged in, you should see the Authentication Methods screen (figure 1). Select "Add" then select "TOTP" (figure 2):

Selecting an Authentication Method

Authentication method screen illustration — Figure 1

Available methods for enrollment include password, smartphone and a time-based one-time password — Figure 2

You can leave all the settings as is (figure 3), just ensure that Category is set to Default the authenticator WILL NOT WORK if it is set as anything else. BEFORE YOU PROCEED — the procedure can time out if you take too long. You should probably read through the rest of the process before moving on. Once you've familiarized yourself with the steps, select "Get QR Code". A QR code similar to the one below will appear (figure 4):

Smartphone configuration screen illustration — Figure 3

Configuring your Smartphone

Now open the authentication app of choice on your phone, the example images and instructions will be of Google Authenticator but the process should be similar for any other app. You should see a screen titled "Google Authenticators" (figure 5).

Tap the plus (+) symbol. It's in the lower right corner.
On the menu that opens click "Scan a QR Code".

Scan the QR code on your computer screen with your phone's camera. The authenticator will be named "NetIQ: NetIQ" in your authenticator app. Once done, tap “Save” underneath the QR code.

Your authenticator app is now configured for use with NMC's TOTP. Your screen will show NetIQ: NetIQ as well as a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds:

Edit the template screen illustration — Figure 5

NMC multi-factor Authentication screen illustration showing a randomly generated code — Figure 6

Finalizing Configuration on your Smartphone

Go back to your laptop/desktop and select the “Save” button at the bottom — THIS STEP IS ESSENTIAL! (figure 7):

Enrollment complete screen illustration — Figure 7

Important — Please Read!

You must select the "Save" button or everything you just did was for nothing. .

Congratulations! Your authenticator is now configured and ready to be use the TOTP method of multi-factor authentication.

However, if you are encountering issues that are not addressed in this document, please feel free to submit a helpdesk ticket, reach out the Technology Helpdesk at 231-995-3020, or chat with them at nmc.edu/help.

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