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2-factor authentication

Students and employees of WU Vienna protect their WU account with a second factor. In addition to a secure account password (first factor), a numerical code is checked with an authenticator app when logging in (second factor). This numerical code is only valid for a limited time. Users must also link the authenticator app to their WU account themselves.

Account protection

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a protective mechanism to prevent account misuse. Cyber attacks and the publication of - usually stolen - passwords mean that even a secure account password loses its protective function. In this case, the second factor makes it more difficult to take over the digital identity (i.e. the account) and thus access personal data.

Login with 2FA in practice

A 2-factor authentication is requested if you must enter your WU email address as the user name when logging in with your WU account ("Microsoft login").

  1. Enter your WU email address as the username

  2. Enter your WU account password

  3. Open the Authenticator app on your mobile phone*)

  4. Use the displayed code to complete the login process

    5.  

*) We recommend using a common and widely used authenticator app on your smartphone.

Important!

  • The second factor is requested again at regular intervals!

  • Students will receive a new 2FA request after 60 days at the latest. Make sure that your 2FA is up-to-date before exam registrations and important administrative appointments.

  • A 2-factor authentication is always carried out

    • when logging in on a new device,

    • when using a private browser window accessing WU's online services,

    • after you have properly logged out from your WU account.

Depending on which authenticator app you are using, the code is either entered in the authenticator app itself, or on the website you are logging in to.

In the following illustration, the code is displayed in the login window and verified with the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone.

Procedure for 2FA with Microsoft Authenticator
© Microsoft

How to register yor second factor

In order for the second factor to be used with your WU account, you must register it once. You can use the following options:

Microsoft Authenticator app

Highly recommended!
how-to

Authenticator app from another provider

Only install widely used apps from established and well-known developers!
how-to

FIDO2 security key

Needs to be bought by yourself. Not provided by WU Vienna.
how-to

Important!

  • Students at WU Vienna must have a registered second factor by June 30, 2026 without exception.

  • New employees of WU Vienna automatically register the second factor when setting up their WU account for the first time.

FAQs

How do I log out of my WU account?

Before registering for important courses and exams, we recommend logging out of your WU account and then logging back in. This avoids a 2FA prompt when you need to use our online services under time pressure.
how-to