What is Authentication, and why do we need it?
Abtrac uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to provide an extra layer of security beyond usernames and passwords, helping protect your business data from unauthorised access.
When MFA is enabled, users verify their login with a second step—either a one-time code sent by email or generated in an authentication app—confirming it’s really them.
This added check significantly reduces the risk of compromised accounts, even if a password is known.
Abtrac supports both Email Authentication for simple, low-setup access and App Authentication for faster, more secure logins across multiple devices, with the option to remember trusted devices for added convenience. This article outlines the steps for setting up Email Authentication.
Read about all the Authentication options in Abtrac here
Setting Authentication methods – for Administrators
Setting up App Authentication for all Users
From Administration >Settings >System Settings > Employees > From the Security section, select the option to enable Authenticator App login security for all users.
Checking user names (email addresses) and editing Authenticator App logins for selected users
You can amend the authentication method for individual users from Administration > Employees > Login Management > by editing individual login records.
From this same menu you can check and edit User names to confirm each login is a valid email address.
Switching to Authenticator App logins – everyday users
1. Enable App Authentication in Abtrac
Before you start, you’ll need to confirm that your login has been set up to enable app authentication. Your Abtrac Admins can set this up for you, following the steps above.
2. Install the Microsoft Authenticator App
To use app-based authentication, you’ll need an authenticator app installed on your mobile device.
Because Abtrac uses Microsoft-managed identities for logins, we recommend using Microsoft Authenticator.
These apps don’t require internet access to generate codes.
To install Microsoft Authenticator on your Android Device
Scan the QR code below, or download and install Authenticator from the Google Play store.
To install Microsoft Authenticator on your iOS Device
Scan the QR code below, or download and install Authenticator from the Apple app store.
3. Complete your First-Time Login Authentication setup
The first time you log in to Abtrac after enabling App Authentication, you’ll be prompted to finish setting up your device (phone).
Sign in to Abtrac
On your computer, sign in to your Abtrac account at https://www.abtraconline.com/Account/Login using your username (email address) and password.
When you click Sign in, you’ll be redirected to page with a QR code displayed by Abtrac.
Link Abtrac to your Microsoft Authenticator App
This code links your Abtrac account to your phone’s Authenticator app. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code shown on your Abtrac login screen.
Alternately, on your mobile device – open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
In the Authenticator app, tap + (Add Account) , choose Work or School Account, then select Scan a QR code.
Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code shown on your Abtrac login screen.
Once scanned, the app will automatically add your Abtrac account and begin generating a 6-digit verification code.
These codes refresh every 30 seconds.
Authorise your Abtrac Sign in with your One-time password code
Return to your computer and the Abtrac login pages, then enter the current code from your Authenticator app when prompted.
If accepted, your login will complete successfully.
Your device is now registered with Azure Active Directory, and your setup is complete.
From now on, when you sign in to Abtrac, you’ll:
- Enter your email and password, then
- Open the Authenticator app to either approve the sign-in or enter the code shown there.
Logging in with Authenticator App security
When app authentication is enabled, you can sign in to your Abtrac account at https://www.abtraconline.com/Account/Login using your username (email address) and password.
When you click Sign in, you are redirected to the verification page in Abtrac and will need to enter a one time password from your Microsoft Authenticator App.
Navigate to your Authenticator App for the One-time Password Code for your login credentials.
Copy the code from your Microsoft Authenticator App back to the Abtrac log in page, and choose Verify to confirm your login.
How to remember your device authentication
On the login page, you can choose “Trust this device.”
Selecting Yes will remember your authentication for that device and web browser for the next 30 days. If you log in using a different browser (for example, Edge instead of Chrome), you’ll be prompted to enter an authentication code again.
What to do if you lose or replace your authentication device (phone)
If you lose or forget your phone, your administrator will need to temporarily disable app-based authentication for your account.
If you replace your phone, please contact Abtrac Support and request a device reset. Once your authentication is reset, you’ll be able to register your new device using your preferred authenticator app.
Abtrac KB #2234