← ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8

Setting up MFA with an authenticator app

Open security settings, choose an authenticator app, scan the code, then enter the first one-time code to confirm. Codes change every 30 seconds.

Part of: ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Networks and Cyber Threats — Module 42

Understanding Setting up MFA with an authenticator app in ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8

What it does: Typing the first one-time code confirms the app is linked correctly before MFA is turned on. The code refreshes about every 30 seconds, so an old or stolen code soon stops working. MFA is switched on from the security settings menu of the account, often under a heading like Security or Sign-in. You pick the authenticator app option from the list of MFA methods. You never share your password. Scanning the setup code links your account to the app on your phone. Keep it private, because anyone who scans it could get your codes. The student must enter the first code from the app to confirm the setup works.

Common mistakes: To set up MFA with an app, you choose an authenticator app, not a security question. Line 2 should be: choose authenticator app. You must enter the first one-time code to confirm the setup worked. Skipping it means MFA is never confirmed. Line 4 should be: enter the first code.

Class: _____________________ · Name: _____________________ · Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 674–695) and word search (Modules 635–695).

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Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning

Duo

Where do you start when turning on MFA for an account?

Delete the account and make a new oneOpen the account's security settings

Matches

Turn on MFA, then close the page without entering a code

↓

The first one-time code was never entered, so the setup was not confirmed and MFA may not be switched on.

Applying

Meanings

Term

authenticator app setup

Meaning

Open security settings, choose an authenticator app, scan the code, then enter the first one-time code to confirm. Codes change every 30 seconds.

Practice

OPEN security_settings

Testing

Gaps

("security settings")

Check Answer

Spots

1open security settings

2choose security question

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Quick Questions

1. Where do you start when turning on MFA for an account?

A. Open the account's security settings ✓

B. Delete the account and make a new one

MFA is switched on from the security settings menu of the account, often under a heading like Security or Sign-in.

2. Which choice sets up MFA with an authenticator app?

A. Choose 'Share my password' as the MFA method

B. Choose 'Authenticator app' as the MFA method ✓

You pick the authenticator app option from the list of MFA methods. You never share your password.

3. What do you do with the setup code (QR code) shown on the screen?

A. Scan it with the authenticator app ✓

B. Post it online so friends can help

Scanning the setup code links your account to the app on your phone. Keep it private, because anyone who scans it could get your codes.

4. How do you finish setup and confirm that it works?

A. Enter the first one-time code from the app ✓

B. Wait a week and hope it turns on

Typing in the first code proves the app and the account are linked. Then MFA is switched on.

5. How often does a code in an authenticator app change?

A. Never, it stays the same forever

B. About every 30 seconds ✓

The codes are one-time codes that refresh about every 30 seconds, so a stolen old code is useless.

Match the Pairs

Settings > Security > Two-step verification → The menu path where a student starts turning on MFA for an account

Scan the QR code with the app → Links the authenticator app to the account so it can make one-time codes

Setup is only finished when you enter the first code from the app to prove it works → Enter the 6-digit code to confirm

An authenticator app shows a new one-time code that changes every 30 seconds → code_valid_for = 30 seconds

Turn on MFA, then close the page without entering a code → The first one-time code was never entered, so the setup was not confirmed and MFA may not be switched on.

Write down today's code to use again next week → Authenticator codes change every 30 seconds, so a saved code will not work later.

Key Term

authenticator app setup

Open security settings, choose an authenticator app, scan the code, then enter the first one-time code to confirm. Codes change every 30 seconds.

Fill in the Blanks

1. open("security settings")

Hint: Type the action that takes you into the account's security settings menu.

2. choose("authenticator app") scan("setup code")

Hint: Type the action you do with your phone camera on the setup code shown on screen.

3. scan("setup code") enter(first_code)

Hint: Type the action that submits the first one-time code to confirm that setup worked.

4. repeat every 30 seconds new_code()

Hint: Type the number of seconds before the app shows a new code.

5. open("security settings") choose("authenticator app")

Hint: Type the action that picks which type of MFA method to use.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A open security settings

B choose security question

C scan the setup code

D enter first one-time code

Line B — To set up MFA with an app, you choose an authenticator app, not a security question. Line 2 should be: choose authenticator app.

Question 2

A open security settings

B choose authenticator app

C scan the setup code

D skip the first code

E MFA is now on

Line D — You must enter the first one-time code to confirm the setup worked. Skipping it means MFA is never confirmed. Line 4 should be: enter the first code.

Question 3

A open security settings

B choose authenticator app

C email the QR code to a friend

D enter first code to confirm

Line C — The setup code links the app to your account, so it must stay private. You scan it yourself with your own phone. Line 3 should be: scan the QR code.

Question 4

A open authenticator app

B see 6-digit code

C wait 30 days

D see a new code

Line C — Authenticator app codes change every 30 seconds, not every 30 days. Line 3 should be: wait 30 seconds.

Question 5

A open security settings

B scan the setup code

C enter your old password

D MFA is on

Line C — To confirm setup you enter the first one-time code shown in the app, not your old password. Line 3 should be: enter the first code.

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