Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA is a login process where you enter:

your regular username and password (something you know)
a unique one-time code sent to an app on your phone or to your email address (something you have).

This means that, even if someone gets your password, only you will be able to login.

MFA adds an extra layer of protection to your NZVA account and means that, even if someone gets your password, they won't be able to log in to your account or access your information. If a third party was to access your NZVA account, they could:

alter or delete your CPD records
make spam posts in your special interest branch (SIB) forums (these could range from annoying, embarrassing or even dangerous if they contain links to viruses or phishing websites)
order products from the NZVA shop using your (or your clinic's) financial details
impact your ability to complete a CPD course through VetScholar
vote in committee elections on your behalf
subscibing or unsubscribing from SIBs without your knowledge
change your contact details so you can't access the NZVA websites anymore.

Adding MFA to the NZVA websites was a key recommendation from a security audit of our systems as a way to protect all the accounts that have access to our system.

The first time you log in to an NZVA website, you will be prompted to set up at least one method of authentication.

We provide three possible MFA methods for you to use, but the two most common methods are:

sending a one-time code to your email address
using an authenticator app on your phone.

Using an authenticator app may be more convenient than using an email notification, as you don’t need to wait for an email to come through.

Download instructions for setting up MFA

To change or manage your MFA settings:

Log in to the NZVA website.
Open your profile and click the ‘Edit’ tab.
Click the ‘MFA Settings’ button.
Enter your password to verify your identity.

From here, you can manage your authentication methods. You can add or remove authentication methods, set a default method, and reset existing methods.

Please note that if you remove all authentication methods, MFA will be disabled. You will need to set it up again the next time you log in to an NZVA website.

With this method, each time you log in you will be emailed a one-time code to complete the login process.

If you don't currently have MFA set up

Log in to the NZVA website
You will be prompted to set MFA up. Click the Get started button
Select Register with email code
Enter your email address and click Next
A six-digit code will be sent to the email address you entered. Enter the code and click the Next button.

If you want to change or update your MFA access

Log in to the NZVA website
Open your profile and click the Edit tab
Click the MFA Settings button
Click Add another MFA method
Select Register with email code
Enter your email address and click Next
A six-digit code will be sent to the email address you entered. Enter the code and click the Next button.

Recovery codes

After you enter your six-digit code, a set of recovery codes will be displayed. These allow you to log in to your account if you are unable to access your email address. You will need to download these codes and store them in a secure place that you can access easily.
When you have saved your codes, click the Finish button.
Multi-factor authentication set up is now complete

Each time you log in to an NZVA website, you will be emailed a new code to enter.

Download detailed instructions for setting up MFA

With this method, an authenticator app on your phone will generate a code for you to enter each time you log in to an NZVA website.

We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app or the Google Authenticator app, both of which are available on the Google Play and Apple App stores.

If you don't currently have MFA set up

Download and install your authenticator app from Google Play or the Apple App Store
Log in to the NZVA website
You will be prompted to set MFA up. Click the Get started button
Select Authenticator app verification method
Register the website with the app by scanning the QR code or manually entering the code provided
When the app is set up on your mobile device, you will be prompted to enter a code which will be displayed in the authenticator app on your phone. Enter the code and click the Next button.

If you want to change or update your MFA access

Download and install your authenticator app from Google Play or the Apple App Store
Log in to the NZVA website
Open your profile and click the Edit tab
Click the MFA Settings button
Click Add another MFA method
Select Authenticator app verification method
Register the website with the app by scanning the QR code or manually entering the code provided
When the app is set up on your mobile device, you will be prompted to enter a code which will be displayed in the authenticator app on your phone. Enter the code and click the Next button.

Recovery codes

After you set up your authenticator app, a set of recovery codes will be displayed. These allow you to log in to your account if you are unable to access your email address. You will need to download these codes and store them in a secure place that you can access easily.
When you have saved your codes, click the Finish button.
Multi-factor authentication set up is now complete

Each time you login to an NZVA website, your app will generate a new code for you to enter.

Download detailed instructions for setting up MFA