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Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

How to set up and use multi-factor authentication on GEO.

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Written by Product Team

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of security to your GEO account. When you sign in, you enter your password and then a short code from your phone. This is mandatory for all users who have access to Insights.

What you need

MFA on GEO uses an app called Okta Verify. Before you start, install Okta Verify on your phone or tablet. Search for "Okta Verify" in the App Store (iPhone) or use the Google Play Store (Android). The icon is a blue shield with a tick.
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271. Okta - How to set up Okta Verify MFA : Guide : ... : ITS : University of Sussex

[SCREENSHOT: Okta Verify app icon]

Alternatively, you can use the google authenticator app.
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Google Authenticator Download & Login Steps

[SCREENSHOT: Google Authenticator app icon]

Setting up MFA for the first time

The first time you sign in after Insights access is granted, GEO will prompt you to set up MFA automatically. Follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to misgeo.io with your username and password.

  2. When prompted, choose to set up Okta Verify or Google Authenticator.
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    [SCREENSHOT: Okta Verify or Google Authentication Options]
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  3. GEO displays either a QR code or a Setup Key — choose whichever is easier for you.
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    [SCREENSHOT: GEO MFA setup screen showing QR code option]
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  4. Open Okta Verify on your phone and tap the + button to add a new account.
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  5. Choose Scan a QR code or Enter a Setup Key, then follow the on-screen instructions.
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  6. Okta Verify adds misgeo.okta.com to your list and starts showing a 6-digit code. This code changes every 30 seconds.
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  7. Enter the current 6-digit code on the GEO sign-in screen to complete setup.
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    [SCREENSHOT: Okta Verify app showing 6-digit code for misgeo.okta.com]

Signing in with MFA

Once MFA is set up, every sign-in requires a code:

  1. Go to misgeo.io and enter your username and password.

  2. You will be prompted to open Okta Verify on your phone.

  3. Find the misgeo.okta.com entry and note the current 6-digit code.

  4. Enter the code on the GEO sign-in screen before it expires (codes refresh every 30 seconds).

New or lost device

If you get a new phone or lose the device with Okta Verify installed, contact [email protected]. The team will reset your MFA so you can set it up again on your new device. You cannot reset MFA yourself — this is a security measure to protect your account.

FAQ

I set up MFA but the code isn't being accepted.
Make sure the time on your phone is set automatically (not manually). Okta Verify codes are time-sensitive — if your device clock is out of sync, the codes will fail.

Do I need MFA on every device I use?
Yes. You will need to enter a code from Okta Verify each time you sign in, on any device.

Can I use a different authentication app instead of Okta Verify?
GEO requires Okta Verify or Google Authenticator specifically. Other authenticator apps are not supported.

I can't find misgeo.okta.com in my Okta app.
You may have set it up under a different account name. Look for any misgeo entry in your list. If you are unsure, contact [email protected] to reset and start again.

Related articles

  • [Account Setup]

  • [Sharing Your Data with MIS]

  • [Location Insights]

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