---
sourceDocument: Australia Platform security
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/platform-security
Release :
- australia
ft:locale :
- en-US
ft:publication_title :
- Australia Platform security
ft:clusterId :
- psec
bundleId :
- psec
workflow :
- Platform
---
# Using MFA
# Using Multi-factor authentication {#ariaid-title1}
Release version: Australia
Updated March 12, 2026
 2 minutes to read
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## Summary of Using Multi-factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring an additional verification step when accessing your ServiceNow instance.
Supported authenticator applications must utilize Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP), including Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator, Authy, FreeOTP, Duo, and Okta Verify.
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## Key Features
* **Authenticator Apps:** After entering your credentials, you will need to validate your identity using an authenticator app. If MFA is enabled, you'll be guided to set up an app if not already configured.
* **Biometric Authenticators:** If permitted by your administrator, you can set up biometric methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional authentication method.
* **Hardware Key Authenticators:** Physical security devices can also be registered for authentication, enhancing security further.
* **SMS and Email OTP:** You can register a mobile number or email address to receive one-time passwords (OTP) for verification during login. The OTP is valid for 5 minutes and can be resent if necessary.
## Key Outcomes
Implementing MFA allows for a more secure login process, protecting your ServiceNow instance against unauthorized access. By utilizing various authentication methods, you can choose the level of security that best fits your needs, ensuring compliance and safeguarding sensitive data.
Learn how to use multi-factor authentication tools to securely access your instance.
## Login with MFA {#mfa-use__section_pm3_k34_dpb}
ServiceNow requires authenticator applications that support Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP). ServiceNow tests MFA with the following authenticators:
* Google Authenticator
* Microsoft Authenticator
* LastPass Authenticator
* Authy
* FreeOTP
* Duo
* Okta Verify
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Note:
* Other authenticators not listed might also be compatible, but are not tested by ServiceNow.
* For information related to browser specific behavior change, see this [KB article](https://support.servicenow.com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0998122).
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## Register an authentication app {#mfa-use__section_arv_vms_3dc}
|-|-|
| Authenticator App : You can use authenticator apps to use a second factor of authentication. | If your administrator has enabled multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your instance, you are prompted for a second authentication after entering your user name and password. For details on the MFA login process, see [Log in with Multi-factor Authentication](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/W6OSEM2Pvv55kt~_9CZfvA "Login with MFA when it is enabled by your administrator on your instance."). |
| Validation with Authenticator app : Enter the code displayed on your authenticator app to login. | If you haven't configured a second form of authentication, you will see a configuration page after logging in to guide you through the process of setting up an authentication app. For details on this setup, see [Set up Multi-factor authentication for the first time](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/g7hcEJnk47~oaz7BLQghCQ "If your administrator enabled MFA on your profile but you have not yet set up the application, you can set it up upon login."). |
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## Register an authentication device {#mfa-use__section_pyc_yj4_dpb}
|-|-|
| After you've configured an authentication app, you can register other methods for authentication. Biometric authenticators : You can use biometric authenticators like fingerprint or facial recognition as your second MFA authentication. If your administrator allows this option, you can configure biometric authenticators using the steps in [Register a biometric authenticator](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/zA4c2P_j6LIWvEo_ycWgyA "Register a biometric authenticator to use as part of your MFA login."). | |
| Hardware key authenticators : Hardware keys are physical security devices you can use for authentication. You can register a hardware device for use with your instance using the steps in [Register a hardware security key](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/9CC2Jh_QFLlIQkCqf8HRNQ "Register a hardware key to use as part of your MFA login."). | ![Hardware key icon]() |
| Validation with Biometric or Hardware Key : Use the biometric or hardware key to login. | Use the Biometric or Security Key to login. |
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## Register a phone number for OTP {#mfa-use__section_ilx_bwb_2vb}
|-|-|
| SMS : Use SMS based OTP to require users who attempt to login. | When users attempt to login to ServiceNow, SMS OTP is sent to the mobile number associated with the sys_user record. Users can enter the six-digit verification code that it sent to the mobile device and verify their identity.
![SMS.]() |
| Validation with SMS : Use the validation with SMS to login based on the OTP generated. | You need to enter the 6-digit code sent to the mobile number to login. The code sent is valid for the next 5 minutes. You can use resend code to again send the code. |
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## Register an Email address for OTP {#mfa-use__section_clt_zvb_2vb}
|-|-|
| Email address : Use Email based OTP to require users who attempt to login. | When users attempt to login to ServiceNow, Email OTP is sent to the email address associated to the user. User's can enter the six-digit verification code that it sent to the mobile device and verify their identity.
![Email.]() |
| Validation with Email : Use the validation with Email to login based on the OTP generated. | You need to enter the 6-digit code sent to the email address to login. The code sent is valid for the next 5 minutes. You can use resend code to again send the code. |
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