Cardinal: Configure Microsoft, Google, or Rapid Identity Authenticator For MFA

Visit https://my.vccs.edu and log in to the myVCCS portal. Select "Cardinal" to launch the Cardinal website.

You can also visit the Cardinal website directly at my.cardinal.virginia.gov.

To start the login process, click on the Cardinal Username field. Your username will be your myVCCS email address. For example (username@email.vccs.edu).

Fill in your password to authenticate your account securely. This password may be different from your myVCCS password. If you don't know your password, please use the Cardinal Forgot password link.

If you don't know your password, please use the Cardinal Forgot password link.

Click the Sign In button to access your account dashboard.

Click Manage Your Account to update your security settings.

For the following steps, use your preferred authenticator app. Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, and Rapid Identity provide one-time passwords. Although Cardinal only lists Google Authenticator, you can use either by following these steps.

These authenticator applications typically generate a 6-digit number every 30 seconds, and they all support scanning a QR code to do the initial configuration.

In the Okta portal, you'll see all available authentication methods. Look for 'Google Authenticator' in the list.

Click "Set up" Google Authenticator to begin configuring a new authentication method.

Click Set up to continue the Authenticator configuration process. You'll now see a QR code on your screen, along with a secret key below it. This is important - keep this window open and don't close it yet.

Now, pick up your smartphone and open the Authenticator app. Click the + sign on the lower right. You'll see two options: 'Scan a QR code' and 'Enter a setup key.' We'll use the QR code method, so tap 'Scan a QR code.'

Now, point your phone's camera at the QR code displayed on your computer screen. Hold your phone steady and make sure the QR code fits within the frame on your screen. The app will automatically scan the code - you don't need to take a picture or press any buttons. Once it's scanned, your Okta account will be added to your Authenticator.

Return to the browser and click Next to proceed with the setup wizard.

Click Enter code to prepare for inputting the new authentication code.

In the authenticator app, find the code. The code will be listed under virginia.okta.com.

Fill in the new authentication code generated by your Authenticator app.

Click Verify to validate the new multi-factor authentication code. Congratulations! You've successfully set up multi-factor authentication for your Cardinal account.