Cyber threats are on the rise, and in recent years, password-related breaches are becoming all too common. Weak, reused, or stolen passwords make it easy for cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive information. That’s why relying on passwords alone is no longer enough to keep our data safe.
One-time passcode as authenticating factor for sign in
NetOTP is a unique, one-time passcode generated by an authenticator app on your mobile device. When logging in, users will enter their usual NetPassword plus the NetOTP as second authenticating factor.
Upon successful authentication, user can mark their regular web browser as “trusted”. Going forward, users only need to enter the NetOTP to log in — no NetPassword required. This allows for faster and smoother access without compromising security.
Please note that if a web browser has been marked as trusted but is not used to access business admin applications for more than 30 days, users will be required to re-input NetPassword plus NetOTP, and mark the browser as trusted again, before they can sign in using only the NetOTP.
The Single Sign-On feature supported by web applications will still prevail regardless of whether NetOTP is enabled as an authenticating factor for the applications.
Transitioning business admin applications to use one-time passcode for authentication
Prevailing and new business admin applications that support PolyU Single Sign-On can elect to adopt using NetOTP as authenticating factor for sign-in. No changes or implementation efforts are required on the application side.
Business system owners interested in enabling NetOTP for user sign-in on their applications can reach out to ITS.
Once business system owners proceed to enable their business admin applications to support MFA using NetOTP, users will be provided with a procedure on how to register their personal smart phones to generate the one-time passcode via an authenticator app, similar to the process used for PolyU VPN service.
If you require further information, please contact the IT HelpCentre (Tel: 2766 5900, WhatsApp/ WeChat: 6577 9669) or reach out to us via the IT Online ServiceDesk.
