PortalGuard is Arcadia’s tool for account management, password reset, single sign-on (SSO), and multifactor authentication. Using PortalGuard allows you to reset your password, recover your account and manage account security settings while providing a centralized login system for students, faculty, and staff.
To access these features, you need to be enrolled in PortalGuard. If you have enrolled, you are all set! If you have not already done so, please click the button below and use your Arcadia Username and Password to enroll.
Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is the practice of using more than one method for authenticating, or signing in, to an account.
There are three methods of authentication:
- Something You Know – this is a traditional password or secret key that you commit to memory.
- Something You Have – this is typically something that you have with you, such as a mobile device or a key fob that will display a code that changes over a period of time.
- Something You Are – these are biometrics, such as fingerprints or retina scans.
How MFA Will Work
Our implementation of PortalGuard will involve the the use of Something You Know (your Arcadia University credentials) and Something You Have (a mobile device or secondary email that will display a One Time Passcode).
Utilizing multifactor authentication will allow us to add a layer of security to the authentication process for some of our web hosted applications, helping us confirm that the person that is attempting to sign in to your account is actually you.
In order to use PortalGuard Multifactor Authentication, you will need to use either:
- Google Authenticator App
- Secondary Email Account (set when you registered for PortalGuard)
Using multifactor authentication will look similar to the process that you use when signing in to personal resources, such as online banking and social media accounts:
- When you visit Arcadia University resources that use PortalGuard SSO (such as MyArcadia and Gmail), you will use your Arcadia University username and password for login.
- After your username and password are verified as the correct credentials you will be presented with a screen that asks you to verify your identity by providing a code that is displayed on your chosen One Time Passcode delivery method (Google Authenticator or your secondary email).
- After providing this code, you will be successfully authenticated!
Setup MFA on Your Account
In order for multifactor authentication to work with your account, you will need to:
- Setup your Arcadia account to use PortalGuard if you have not already done so.
- Choose between using Google Authenticator App or a Secondary Email for One Time Passcode Delivery.
*If you choose to use Google Authenticator, you will need to connect the app with your PortalGuard account.
- Visit PortalGuard to set your One Time Passcode Delivery Method.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for PortalGuard?
To register, please visit https://arcadia.onbio-key.com/
You will need to provide a personal email address that will function as a secondary recovery email address. This email address cannot be another .edu account. You will also need to set up five security questions during this process. The security questions will be used during the account recovery process in the event that you are unable to access your account or need to reset your password.
Why do I need to use a non-edu email as my secondary email address?
This secondary email account is used in the event that you are locked out of your account or need to make changes to your Arcadia University account.
I don't have a non-edu email, I use my Arcadia email for everything. What do I do?
In the event that you do not have another email address, we suggest that you take a moment to set up a new, personal email address. There are multiple services that offer free, secure email accounts that you can sign up for.
Why do I need to set up five security questions?
Security Questions are used in the event that you need to recover or reset your password. They add an extra layer of security and help our system confirm your identity prior to allowing a password reset.
What is single sign-on (SSO)?
Single sign-on (SSO) is a secure method of using a single account to authenticate across multiple systems without the need to sign in multiple times. Using an SSO solution helps limit the number of credentials that we need to manage and memorize, and in turn, helps eliminate the need to write down passwords. You currently encounter this each time you login to My Arcadia, Arcadia email, Canvas, etc. through our service PortalGuard.
What is a OneTime Passcode (OTP)?
A One Time Passcode (OTP) is a single-use code that is sent to your secondary account as a validation tool during the registration process.
I didn't get an OTP email, where did it go?
Make sure you are checking your secondary email account for this email. If it is not in your inbox, check your spam folder!
