Two Factor Authentication

As part of the push for more safety for your data, Cairnmillar requires the use of two factor authentication (2FA).

Cairnmillar recommends the Microsoft Authenticator app as we use Microsoft related programs. This is available as a free download from either the Google Play store or the Apple Store. We do not recommend the Google Authenticator and other third party authentication apps as they have been known to not work properly in our internal environments.

Download the Microsoft Authenticator app for free on iOS or Andriod

What is an Authenticator App?

An authenticator app, like Microsoft Authenticator, is an application that you can install on your mobile device. When you open the app, it will generate a 6 or 8 digit security code that expires every 30 seconds and a new, different code is regenerated automatically. You will use the active code to log in to various online accounts, such as your Student Accounts (Office 365, Paradigm etc) at Cairnmillar.

These apps add a second layer to account security. That means, instead of one security measure to access your accounts (entering a username and password), you will need to go through a second layer of security to get final access. The second layer of security is through the authenticator app. Hence the term: Two Factor Authentication (2FA is the abbreviated term. It is also sometimes called MFA: Multi Factor Authentication – they both mean the same thing in this context).

For example, when you log in to your accounts at Cairnmillar, you will use your normal login information (such as your username/email and password) and then you will also require to input a verification code that the authenticator app generates.

Cairnmillar strongly recommends the use of Microsoft Authenticator App. It is free and the most compatible for our Microsoft and other systems. 


First time set-up

You need 2 separate Two Factor Authentication (2FA) records within your Microsoft Authenticator App to access your student accounts:
1) One for Microsoft Account (this is your outlook student email, OneDrive, Canvas, MyCMI, etc)
2) One for Paradigm Account (this is your student record).

Microsoft Accounts (email, OneDrive, Canvas, myCMI, etc).
  1. Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device. The first time you add an account, the Microsoft Authenticator app will request permission to use the camera on your mobile device – Please allow this so you can scan the appropriate QR code to set up the code generation (more on this below).
  2. Log into your student Microsoft account in a browser on your computer. We suggest you use the URL https://office.com.
  3. Enter your student login ID and password for your account.
  4. You will be presented with a notification that more information is required. Check the More Information button.
  5. You will be asked if you have the Microsoft Authenticator app, click Next.
  6. You will be shown a QR code on the screen.
  7. On the Authenticator App, click the + sign in the top bar
  8. Select Work or School
  9. Scan the QR code. Make sure you have allowed the app to access your camera
  10. The account will be added to the app and a code will be shown. This code changes every 30 seconds.
  11. Enter the code into the Verification Code box on your screen.     
Paradigm Account
  1. If you have not already done this, download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device. The first time you add an account, the Microsoft Authenticator app will request permission to use the camera on your mobile device – Please allow this so you can scan the appropriate QR code to set up the code generation (more on this below).
  2. Log into your student Paradigm account in a browser on your computer. (https://cairnmillar.edu.net.au)
  3. Enter your student number and password for your account.
  4. You will be shown a QR code on the screen.
  5. On the Authenticator App, click the + sign in the top bar
  6. Select Other Account
  7. Scan the QR code. Make sure you have allowed the app to access your camera
  8. The account will be added to the app and a code will be shown. This code changes every 30 seconds.
  9. Enter the code into the Verification Code box on your screen