Having trouble? Unable to access Brightspace, Microsoft 365 Apps, myUWinfo, UWinsite Finance or UWinsite Student?
Troubleshooting Tips
What is authentication?
Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user before allowing access to a protected resource. At the University of Windsor, authentication helps keep our networks secure by permitting only authenticated users to access our computer systems, databases, websites and other network-based applications or services.
UWindsor authentication credentials
Authentication relies on credentials. The most common credentials are a username and a password. The username is the identifier and the password is the proof.
To increase security many organizations, including UWindsor, use multi-factor authentication (MFA). WIth MFA, the account holder must present an identifier and two or more factors of proof.
At UWindsor, we use a username (an identifier), a password (something you know) and, if trying to access a protected resource from an off-campus location, a device (something you have). Options for this second factor of proof include:
- A one-time code sent by text
- A one-time code generated by a trusted device running an Authenticator app
- A one-time code generated by an approved security key
- An approval from a trusted device running an Authenticator app
Protect your accounts
It is critically important that you lock, sign out or shut down your device when it is not in use. Failing to do so could expose your accounts to others. This is particularly crucial on public or shared computers such as in classrooms or computer labs.