YSC: Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• When Will I See MFA?
• Logging In with MFA
  • Step 1: Enter Your Username and Password
  • Step 2: Choose How to Get Your MFA Code
    • Option A: Get a Code by Email (Most Common)
    • Option B: Use an Authenticator App (Less Common, but More Secure)
  • Step 3: Enter the Code
• Troubleshooting
• Need More Help?

Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an extra step that helps protect your Impact Suite account. With MFA, you log in using two things instead of just your password:

1. Your password (something you know).

2. A one-time code from your email or an authenticator app (something you have).

This makes it much harder for anyone else to access your account, even if they guess or steal your password.

When Will I See MFA?

Once your Main Administrator has turned MFA on for your program, you’ll notice a new step when logging in:

• The first time you log in after MFA is turned on.

• Whenever you use a new phone, computer, or browser.

• After your browser updates or clears cookies.

Remember this device: If you check this option when entering your code, you won’t be asked for a code every time on that device. You’ll only need a code again if something changes (new browser, update, etc.).

Logging In with MFA

Step 1: Enter Your Username and Password

Start as usual — type your username (or email) and password on the login screen.

Step 2: Choose How to Get Your MFA Code

Depending on your preference, you’ll use either Email or an Authenticator App.

Option A: Get a Code by Email (Most Common)

1. After you enter your password, you’ll see a message saying a code was sent to your email.

2. Go to your inbox. Look for an email from your program with the subject “Your MFA Code.”

3. Copy the code (usually 6 digits).

4. Paste or type the code into the MFA box on your login screen.

5. Click Verify.
   
   

Tip: Don’t see the email? Check your spam or junk folder. If it’s not there, click Resend code on the login page.

Option B: Use an Authenticator App (Less Common, but More Secure)

If you prefer to use an authenticator app, here’s what to expect:

What is an authenticator app?
An authenticator app is a free app on your phone (like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy). It creates a new 6-digit code every 30 seconds. No internet or text message is needed — the codes live right in the app.

How to use it when logging in:

1. Open your authenticator app on your phone.

   • Look for the account labeled with your program or email.

2. Find the 6-digit code that’s showing.

   • It changes every 30 seconds (a timer or circle shows how much time is left).

3. Type that code into the MFA box on the login screen.

4. Click Verify.

Why use an authenticator app?

• Safer: Hackers can’t intercept these codes like they can with text messages.

• Works offline: You don’t need Wi-Fi or cell service.

If you’ve never installed one before:

• Your Main Administrator will guide you if your program requires it.

• Your email service app will provide you a QR code to scan or a setup key to type in. This connects your Impact Suite account to your app.

• Once set up, the app will always generate codes for your login.

Step 3: Enter the Code

Type the code into the MFA box and click Verify. You’ll now be logged into your Impact Suite.

Troubleshooting

• Didn’t get the email code?

  • Check spam/junk folder.

  • Make sure you’re checking the right email (the one you use to log into the Impact Suite).

  • Use the Resend code button.

• Authenticator app not working?

  • Check if the code changed — codes expire every 30 seconds.

  • Make sure your phone’s clock is set to automatic time.

  • If you’ve lost your phone, contact your Main Administrator to reset your MFA.

• New computer or phone?
  You’ll need to go through MFA again the first time you log in. That’s expected.

Need More Help?

• First stop: Contact your program’s Main Administrator.

• Not sure who that is? Email us at support@americalearns.net.