How to Setup the MFA Extension for Google Chrome, Firefox and Edge

Overview

This article is a step-by-step guide for how to set up MFA extension for Google Chrome, Firefox and Edge. You can set this up for both Google Gmail authentication and other Oswego applications by choosing the corresponding authenticator (Google or Microsoft). Overall, the instructions are divided into sections for:

Instructions

 

Setting Up Microsoft Authentication Extension

1. Install Authenticator Extension (ChromeFirefoxEdge)

2. In Google Chrome, Firefox or Edge click the puzzle icon to manage extensions, go to the Authenticator App, and click pin(Google Chrome) click the eye(Edge) or click the gear icon to pin to toolbar(Firefox). This will keep it on the browser separately showing as a QR code.

Click the puzzle icon to manage extensions, go to the Authenticator App, and pin (This will keep it on the browser).

 

3. Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup and sign in using your Oswego credentials

If you have not set up MFA yet, you may alternatively sign into myOswego (Single Sign On), click Next, and skip to step 7.

4. Click Security info

Image showing to Click Security info

5. Click Add sign-in method

Image showing to Click Add sign-in method

6. Click Authenticator app and click Add.

Image showing to Click Authenticator app and click Add

7. Choose "I want to use a different authenticator app" and click Next. 

If you want to use phone number rather than the app please select " I want to use a different authenticator app" and click next

8. You will see a prompt to scan a QR code. You will use the authenticator extension on your browser to scan.

image asking to scan QR code

9. click Next

Image asking to press next

9. Click the authenticator extension and select scan QR Code.

Image asking to Click the authenticator extension and select scan QR Code

10. Use the extension to select the QR, leaving enough space around the QR code.

11. If done correctly, you will get a pop-up window, and clicking the extension should produce a key. Click OK.

image showing a pop up

From there you should see the code coming on the authenticator extension.

12 . Enter the code, then click Next. If you click on the code it will copy so you can paste it into the verify screen. You will have 30 seconds to copy that particular code before a new code appears in its place. 

image showing the code and asking to enter code.

13 . If done correctly, you should return to the main screen, and your new authentication method should be shown. If verification fails, you may have to retry due to the key timing out every 30 seconds when entering.

 

Setting Up Google Applications Authentication Extension

Complete the above instructions for Google applications

These instructions assume you have:

1. From a laptop or desktop computer, log into a Google application, like Gmail. This step must be done from a computer as you will need to scan a QR code displayed on the computer with your smartphone

2. Select your profile icon from the upper right corner of the Google application you are using (such as Gmail).  Then click on "Manage your Google Account."

Image showing to click on "Manage your Google Account."

3. From the list of setting categories on the left side of the page, click "Security."  

Image showing to click "Security."

4. In the "How you sign in to Google" section, you should see that 2-step verification is already turned on.  If not, visit the "How to set up Google MFA - phone option" instructions.

image showing In the "How you sign in to Google" section, you should see that 2-step verification is already turned on.

5. Select "Authenticator" from the list of additional options available.

Image showing to Select "Authenticator" from the list of additional options available.

6. You may be asked to verify your identity.  Enter your password.

Image showing Google log in

7. Click on "+ Set up authenticator."

image showing to Click on "+ Set up authenticator."

8. You will now be presented with a window that has the QR code listed on it. 

9. Click the authenticator extension and select scan QR Code.

Image asking to Click the authenticator extension and select scan QR Code

10. Use the extension to select the QR, leaving enough space around the QR code.

11. If done correctly, you will get a pop-up window, and clicking the extension should produce a key. Click OK.

image showing a pop up

From there you should see the code coming on the authenticator extension.

12 . Enter the code, then click Verify. If you click on the code it will copy so you can paste it into the verify screen. You will have 30 seconds to copy that particular code before a new code appears in its place. 

image showing the code and asking to enter code.

13 . If done correctly, you should return to the main screen, and your new authentication method should be shown. If verification fails, you may have to retry due to the key timing out every 30 seconds when entering.

 

Adding Both Microsoft and Google Authentication Extensions Helpful Tips

  • You will now see a note when you open the extension "Show more entries". When you click on this both Google and Microsoft options become available. To avoid clicking this every time, click the pin icon in each authentication.
  • You may also select to auto-fill the codes instead of copying and pasting. Navigate to the Settings icon in the upper left and then click Preferences. Select Auto-Fill on.

Need Help?

Need additional information or assistance? Contact CTS.

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Google Multi-factor authentication (MFA), also known as 2-step verification, is Google's method for securing accounts. SUNY Oswego uses it with our LakerApps suite of applications (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, etc.) to provide more security to digital accounts and services.