Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password. Even if a hijacker steals or guesses your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor, which is usually a temporary code sent to your authentication app, or your email address.
This simple but powerful security measure helps protect against phishing, data breaches, and unauthorised access, keeping your personal and organisational information safe and secure.
Setting up Two-Factor Authentication
Please note that two-factor authentication (2FA) may be enabled by your school, Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), or Local Authority (LA). If 2FA is active on your account but you didn’t switch it on yourself, it’s likely been applied as a setting across your school, trust, or LA.
If you wish to enable 2FA yourself, navigate to Settings > Account Settings. Scroll down to Two-Factor Authentication.
Verifying Your Email Address
First, you must verify your email address. You can do this on the account settings page by clicking 'Send verification email now' and then opening the verification link in your email.
Please allow a few minutes for the email to arrive, as traffic may be heavier during peak times. If you do not receive the email, please contact perspectivesupport@angelsolutions.co.uk.
Once verified, you'll be taken to a confirmation page that contains this message.
Once that step is complete, navigate back to the system and choose whether to set up two-factor authentication using your email address or an authenticator app.
If your school, organisation or LA have enabled 2FA on your behalf, you'll be able to verify the email when setting it up for the first time.
Setting up Two-Factor Using Your Email Address
To continue using email, ensure 'use your registered email address' is selected from the two options.
Click on the 'Send Verification Email' button. If you've already verified your email address, this step isn't required.
Click the 'Send Code' button. This will send a 6 digit authentication code to your registered email address. The email will look something like this:
Make a note of, or copy that code and navigate back to your system. Type the code into the empty field and click Authenticate.
Your two-factor is now set up!
Each time you sign in, you'll need to enter your newly sent code, which will be delivered to your registered email address automatically when you log in.
Set Up Using Authenticator App
If you wish to use a separate app like Google Authenticator, Authy or Windows Authenticator, you'll need to choose the 'Use an authenticator app' option from the Account Settings page.
If you don't have one already, download a two-factor authenticator app to your mobile device. Popular apps include Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator.
Once you have downloaded and installed the app on your mobile device, scan the QR code displayed within the Account Settings page. Alternatively, enter the 32 character code displayed alongside it manually into your authenticator app (space and casing do not matter).
Your app will then provide you with a unique code. Enter this code in the confirmation box on Perspective Lite, Perspective or Observatory and click Authenticate.
Your two-factor is now set up! Each time you sign in, you'll need to enter the code displayed on the authenticator app on your mobile device.
Resetting Two-Factor Authentication
If you just want to switch your 2FA from email to a mobile device, or vice versa, navigate to Settings > Account Settings. Under the Reset Two-Factor Authentication heading, click Send Code.
Input the code that was sent to your email or device. You will be immediately logged out and the next time you log in, you'll be asked to register 2FA again.
Disabling Two-Factor Authentication
If you no longer require 2FA on your account, navigate to Settings > Account Settings. Under the Two-Factor Authentication heading, click Send Code.
Input the code that was sent to your email or device. You will be immediately logged out and the next time you log in, you won't require two-factor authentication.
Please note that if 2FA is enabled at the request of your school, MAT or LA then you can't disable it.