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TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), also known as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence (factors) to verify their identity before gaining access to a system.


MFA significantly enhances the protection of sensitive data and user accounts in Paradigm, helping to prevent unauthorised access—even if a password is compromised.

Authentication Method Overview  


1. Primary Authentication
Log in with your AUT Student Number (as your username) and password.
If you haven’t set up a password or have forgotten it, reset it here: https://act.edu.net.au/php/reset_user_login_password.php


2. Secondary Authentication
After entering your username and password, you’ll be asked to enter a Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP) from an authentication app on your phone. 


We recommend using Google Authenticator, available for free here:


First-Time Setup Instructions

When signing in to Paradigm for the first time, you’ll be prompted to set up MFA.


If you see a QR Code:

  1. Open the Google Authenticator app.

  2. Tap the plus icon (+).

  3. Select Scan a QR code.

  4. Scan the code shown on Paradigm.

  5. Enter the 6-digit code generated by the app into Paradigm and click Verify.




If you don’t see a QR code, or no longer have access to your original device:

In some cases, users are taken directly to the MFA prompt without being shown a QR code or setup key. This can happen if MFA was previously set up but the device used is no longer accessible.

If you're unable to set up MFA or access your account due to this, please contact support@aut.edu.au and request an MFA reset for your account. This will allow you to re-register a new device.


Signing in After Setup

On future logins:

  1. Open your Authenticator app.

  2. Find the entry labeled act.edu.net.au (or "Paradigm").

  3. Enter the current 6-digit code shown into the Paradigm MFA screen.

  4. Click Verify.


If you have multiple entries in your app, be sure to use the correct one (act.edu.net.au).

Troubleshooting Google Authenticator 2FA Codes

Google Authenticator verification codes are time-based, which means the time on your phone must be synchronised correctly. If your device's clock is out of sync, or if you've recently changed time zones, the generated codes may be rejected.


Why this happens

Authenticator apps generate codes based on the current time. Even if your phone is offline, codes will continue to work as long as the device time remains accurate. However, manually set clocks or devices can drift out of sync.

As a first step, ensure your device is using automatic date and time settings.


iPhone

Reset Date & Time Settings


  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Date & Time.
  4. Enable Set Automatically.


If "Set Automatically" is already enabled:


  1. Turn Set Automatically off.
  2. Wait a few seconds.
  3. Turn Set Automatically back on.


Once your time has been resynchronized, try signing in again using a new verification code.


Android

Verify Device Time Settings


  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Date & Time (the location may vary by device manufacturer).
  3. Enable Automatic date and time.


If this setting is already enabled, turn it off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.


Still Not Working?

If the issue persists after syncing the time:

  1. Restart your phone.
  2. Open Google Authenticator and generate a new code.
  3. Try signing in again.



Need Help?

If you're unable to see a QR code, didn't receive a setup key, or are otherwise stuck during setup, please contact: support@aut.edu.au 

Include your AUT Student Number and a description of the issue so we can assist you as quickly as possible.