What is multi-factor authentication?

New users:

When you register as a new user you will receive an email from [email protected] that will contain a link for enrolment. Click on this link and a new window will open where you can click “Get Started’ and follow the steps to add your second factor method.

Existing users:

If you are an existing user and have not pre-enrolled prior to the 21 March 2025 you will receive an email from [email protected] on the 21 March 2025 that will contain a link for enrolment. Click on this link and a new window will open where you can click ”Get Started” and follow the steps to add your second factor method.

This link will expire after 30 days. To receive an active enrolment link again after the 30-day period has passed please email [email protected] who will be able to assist in getting a new enrolment link sent to you.

Your second factor method is required at every login and when changing some account settings. It is important to consider this when choosing which second factor method to set up. We recommend that whichever method you do choose, it is one that you can always access. The Central Bank has no awareness of whether the method you have set up is linked to a personal or work device/number.

If you do not wish to use a personal device/phone, you may use a work device/phone. However, this may present an issue if you do not have access to this device/phone when trying to access the Central Bank of Ireland Portal. For example, if you have chosen a phone call as your second factor method and listed a landline number, you will need to be beside the landline to complete the authentication and log into the Portal. Or, if you move to another institution, you will need to ensure that your account details are updated before you lose access to your work-based method.

To change the mobile device used for your second factor method you click ”sign in” when logging into the portal and before you authenticate click ‘”Other options“then click ”Manage Devices”. You will need to authenticate at this stage and then you will be brought to a page where you click the ”I have a new phone” option

To change the phone number used for your second factor method, you click ”Sign in” and click ”Other Options”, then you click manage devices. You will need to authenticate at this stage and then you will be brought to a page where you can amend your current phone number or you can add a device. Click ”Add a device” and click ”Phone Number” and you can enter your new number here.

We recommend that you set up both the mobile app and phone call as second factor methods, as this affords you the most flexibility when accessing the Central Bank of Ireland Portal. If you only have one second factor method set up, you can set up the other method before you login.

When you click ”Sign in” and then click ”Other Options”, you then click ”Manage Devices”. You will need to authenticate at this stage and once done you will be brought to a page where you will have the option to amend your current second factor method and another option to ”Add a device”. Please click ”Add a device” and then select the option you want to set up as your alternative second factor.

There are a few things to consider if you do not have access to your second factor method.

Do you have an alternative method set up?

If yes, then you will be able to use this to log into the Central Bank of Ireland Portal. Enter your person code and password to sign in as usual. The Portal will attempt to reach your main second factor method first. If it does not succeed, it will ask if you wish to try another method in which case you can select your alternative method to complete your login.

If you do not have an alternative method set up, is your loss of access temporary?

If access to your second factor method is only temporarily lost, for example, if you left your mobile device at home, we recommend waiting until such time as you have access again.

If you have permanently lost access to your second factor method and do not have an alternative set up, Contact us by sending your question to [email protected].  In your email’s subject line, please also include the letters ‘MFA’.

No. The Duo Mobile app provides a trusted third party service to ensure access to the Central Bank of Ireland Portal is secure and controlled. The Central Bank of Ireland does not have access to any data on the device(s) on which you choose to install this app.