MFA and Travel

When traveling, MFA helps protect your data and the University's digital services from cyber security risks.

The key for being able to continue using MFA while travelling is to plan and prepare ahead. Make sure that all of your methods of authentication are functional, you know how to use them, and you keep them secure.

Before you go

There are some things to consider before travelling:

1) Complete risk assessment - If travelling on University business, you should complete an appropriate risk assessment with your School or unit and take into account risks associated with accessing University digital services.

2) Print important documentation - Follow the advice in the risk assessments and print out a hard copy of any important documentation that you may need to access while you are abroad. Study and Work Away provide a useful Emergency Checklist containing guidance and emergency contact information.

3) Understand your MFA options - Check if the authentication method you use will work easily while abroad:

-	Method	Considerations if travelling overseas
	Mobile phone authenticator App	An authenticator app does not require signal or Wi-Fi to produce a 6 digit authentication code. If you are unsure how to use this, we advise checking the University FAQs or the website of the authenticator you use
	authenticator.cc	The authenticator extension allows you to produce a 6 digit authentication code using your computer, no secondary device is required. This option is ideal for those who don't have a smartphone and also as a back up authenticator while travelling. See how to set up the authenticator extension - https://edin.ac/authenticator-cc
	Phone or SMS	If you are travelling to an area where you know you will have a stable phone signal, you can continue to use the device for MFA. If you are not, or are unsure, you should consider an alternative option such as an authenticator app - https://edin.ac/authenticator-cc

4) *IMPORTANT* - Add additional methods of authentication - Register additional authentication methods to allow you to do MFA. This could be a second device with an authenticator app (tablet, second phone), an application on a laptop, or a hardware device. A good option for a second method of authentication while travelling is https://edin.ac/authenticator-cc

Other methods are available and advice is available for choosing an authentication method(secured)

In a different time zone?

Authenticator apps use the time on your device to generate the MFA code. If you manually set the time on your authentication device and it is not aligned properly you may have issues. It is therefore better to let your device set its time and date automatically.

MFA Support

Support is available to get help with authenticating if required while you travel:

By telephone

The IS Helpline phone service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm GMT.

If possible, we would ask if you could please submit queries via the "Request Support" buttons below, otherwise please phone us on:

Tel: +44 (0)131 651 5151

By form

Request Support for Students

assistance is available for students during EdHelp opening hours in person and via form

Request Support for Staff

assistance is available for staff Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am-7pm GMT via form

Out of hours

If you contact outside of normal working hours your request will be processed as soon as possible the next working day. Please speak with your school / department contact to arrange access to important documents you shared with them prior to leaving for your travels.

Get MFA Support

This article was published on 2024-10-08