Two-factor authentication (2FA) in SSO

At TU Dortmund University, the use of a second factor (2FA) for logging in to the central login server (SSO) has been gradually introduced since the 4th quarter of 2024. Basic information on the central login server can be found here.

The TOTP method will be used for the second factor. This second factor changes based on time (after 30 seconds) and must be entered after successful registration each time you log in to the central login server in addition to the known access data (UniAccount / password).

The second factor is introduced in two phases. In the first phase, registration of the second factor is optional. After the optional registration phase, the use of the second factor becomes mandatory for registration. In this phase, it is no longer possible to log in to the central login server without a registered second factor.

Registration of the second factor

The second factor can be registered as part of the regular login process. Below you will find instructions that will guide you step by step through the registration process.

Selection of the authenticator app

The second factor is generated by an authenticator app. The following options for generating the second factor are recommended by the ITMC:

Further information / FAQ

Carrying out the registration

  • You start the registration as part of the regular login process (e.g. for Moodle or Confluence). After logging in with your Uniaccount / password, click on the Continue to registration button.

    To start the registration process, you need access to the Authenticator app.

  • Identify yourself by entering your date of birth.
  • Now scan the displayed QR code with your Authenticator application.
  • After successful setup, enter the token displayed in your authenticator app in this step.
  • Copy the ten emergency codes and either save them on an external storage medium (e.g. USB stick) or print them out and carry them with you. You can copy the emergency codes by first selecting them with the mouse and then copying them to the clipboard using the context menu (right mouse button).

    Further information on the emergency codes:

    • Emergency codes function as a "second factor for emergencies", e.g. if the smartphone is defective and the authenticator app is no longer available
    • They are comparable to the old TAN list for online banking
    • Each of the ten emergency codes only works once
    • For security reasons, the emergency codes should not be saved on your computer in the typical formats (text file, Word, PDF, Excel, etc.)