Two-factor authentication (2FA) for the Educator's Portal

Two-factor authentication (2FA) for the Educator's Portal

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your Publisher Rep or Publisher Admin account designed to ensure that you're the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password.

How it works

With two-factor authentication, you can only access your Publisher Rep or Publisher Admin account on devices you trust, your phone, or your computer. When you want to sign in to the Educator's Portal, you'll need to provide two pieces of information; your password and the six-digit verification code displayed on your two-factor authentication app.

Because your password alone is no longer enough to access your account, two-factor authentication dramatically improves your Educator's Portal account's security.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) Compatible Apps

The best two-factor authentication app is the one you are currently using. If you are already using a 2FA app, you can use your existing 2FA app by following the instructions listed below. If you currently do not use two-factor authentication for any of your other accounts, you will need to install a two-factor authentication app before you can configure your Publisher Rep or Publisher Admin account.

Below are several of the most popular two-factor authentication apps on the market:

Some two-factor authentication apps, may allow you to sync your two-factor authenticated accounts across your various devices. This is no longer supported by the Authy app.

*Per User guide: End of Life (EOL) for Twilio Authy Desktop app, "The Authy Desktop app for Linux, MacOS and Windows reached their End-of-Life on March 19, 2024 and are no longer supported." (see article for alternative desktop options).

 

Set up two-factor authentication for your Publisher Rep or Publisher Admin Account

Follow these steps on your computer, phone, or tablet to configure two-factor authentication.

  1. Sign in to your account at https://store.vitalsource.com
  2. Open your two-factor authentication app.

    Screen_Shot_2020-05-07_at_12.34.52_AM.png

  3. Scan the QR code or manually enter the 2FA code into your app

    sample-2fa-code.png

  4. Enter the active six-digit verification code in the Code Box in step 2. Click the Enable button.  

    sampling-2fa-code.png

What to remember when you use two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication significantly improves the security of your Publisher Rep or Publisher Admin account. You cannot use the Educator's Portal without 2FA. There are a few simple guidelines you should follow to keep your account as secure as possible and help ensure you never lose access:

  • Remember your Publisher Rep or Publisher Admin password.
  • Use a device passcode on all your devices.
  • Keep your 2FA software up to date.
  • Keep your trusted devices physically secure.

 

Manage your account

You can manage your email address, password, and other account information from your My Account page.

Keep your 2FA software up to date.

To use two-factor authentication, you need at least one trusted device running 2FA software where you can view verification codes. Ensure your trusted device and 2FA software are routinely running updates to ensure compatibility, security, and reliability. Remember, if the device you have your 2FA software installed on is missing or damaged, you will be unable to view the verification codes required to access your account.

Some two-factor authentication apps, like Authy, allow you to sync your two-factor authenticated accounts across your various devices.

Frequently asked questions

Need help? You might find the answer to your question below.

What if I forget my password?

You can reset or change your password from the Educator's Portal when you follow these steps.

On your Phone, Tablet, or Computer:

  1. Go to https://www.vitalsource.com/forgot_password
  2. Enter the email address used for your Publisher Rep or Publisher Admin account
  3. Click the link that came to the email VitalSource has on file for your Publisher Rep or Publisher Admin account
  4. Enter and save your new password
  5. Log back into the Educator's Portal using your new credentials

What if I can't access a trusted device?

If you're signing in and don't have a trusted device handy that can display verification codes, you will be unable to access the Educator's Portal. If you are using a 2FA app that allows you to sync your two-factor authenticated accounts across multiple devices, please install your 2FA app on the device you are using to retrieve a six-digit authentication code. Otherwise, you will need to wait until you can gain access to a trusted device.

If I can't sign in, how do I regain access to my account?

If you can't sign in, access a trusted device, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you will want to reach out to VitalSource Support to regain access. The account recovery process is designed to get you back into your account as quickly as possible while denying access to anyone who might be pretending to be you. It might take a few days—or longer—depending on what specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.

Can VitalSource Support help me regain access to my account?

Yes. VitalSource Tier 2 Support will be working with you to verify your identity and restore your Publisher Rep or Publisher Admin account access. Please email manage.help@vitalsource.com for assistance. 

What if I get a new computer or mobile device and need to redo my two-factor authentication setup?

If you are using a 2FA app that allows you to sync your two-factor authenticated accounts across multiple devices, please install your 2FA app on the device you are using to retrieve a six-digit authentication code.

If your 2FA app does not support account syncing, please contact VitalSource Support so we may clear your existing two-factor authentication configuration allowing you to add your new computer or mobile device.

Can I turn off two-factor authentication after I've turned it on?

No, once you configure two-factor authentication, you cannot turn it off.

 

 

Change Log: 

August 16, 2024

  • removed Authy desktop language

Published Date:

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