Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) for Northwestel Webmail

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection to your Northwestel Webmail account by requiring a second verification step when you sign in. This helps keep your information secure, even if your password is compromised.

MFA is optional, but strongly recommended.

What is MFA?

MFA requires two things to verify your identity:

• Your password
• A second verification method, such as an authenticator app or a secondary email address

Once MFA is enabled, you’ll sign in as usual with your password and then complete a quick verification step before accessing your inbox.

Note: Multifactor authentication only applies when logging in to Webmail. If your email is set up in a third‑party email application, it will not be affected.

How to enable MFA

1. Contact us.
Call our support team to have MFA (Multi‑Factor Authentication) activated on your account.You won’t be able to complete the MFA setup until this step is done.

2. Set up your Multi‑Factor Authentication
After MFA is activated, complete the setup by following the steps for the method you selected.

Option A: Authenticator App
Use a supported mobile authenticator app to generate time based onetime passcodes (OTP). based one time passcodes (OTP).

Supported apps include:

Open a browser and go to:

1. https://webmail.northwestel.net.
   Enter your username and password in the Username and Password fields, then click Sign In.

   

2. In the Send Verification Code drop‑down menu, select Mobile Authenticator, then click Next.

   

3. Select Register Mobile Authenticator.

   

   Note: This option will only appear if a mobile authenticator has not already been set up.

4. A Configure Mobile Application screen will appear with instructions for either automatic registration using a QR code or manual registration using a key.

   

5. Open the Mobile Authenticator app on the mobile device, then tap Add Account.
6. Scan the QR code displayed on the Webmail screen to add the account.
   Note: If a QR code is not available or not working, select Enter key manually, then follow the prompts and enter the required information.

7. Once the setup is complete, you will see your email domain, your email address, and a 6‑digit OTP displayed

   

Option B: Secondary email address
You can choose to receive verification codes by email.
To use this method, you must add a secondary email address in Webmail:

1. Log in to Webmail.
2. Go to Options (or Settings, depending on your layout).
3. Navigate to Mail → Identities → Local Account.
4. Enter your secondary email address.
5. Select Save Preferences.

Using MFA
Once MFA is activated and set up, you will be prompted for verification each time you log in. A drop‑down menu will appear where you can choose how to receive your verification code—either Email or Mobile Authenticator—and then select Send OTP.
•    Email verification codes are valid for 60 seconds.
•    Authenticator app codes are valid for 30 seconds.

If you lose access to your MFA method
If you lose the phone that contains your authenticator app or you lose access to your secondary email, contact us so we can either temporarily deactivate or reset your MFA.

Deactivation pauses the secondary verification but keeps your existing MFA settings intact.

Resetting removes all MFA settings, and you will need to complete the MFA setup again.