# MFA: I-MATH & DM3L - text based setup via SSH

#### Text based alternative MFA setup option via SSH

<p class="callout info">If you have no clue what SSH is - skip this section, you won't miss anything.</p>

The second factor is checked by SSH connections. If **no second factor is configured yet**, you will have a chance to configure one.

*Note 1: You can select any text with a mouse and **copy** to the clipboard with **Ctrl+Shift+C**.*

*Note 2: Press **Ctrl+C** to cancel the authentication at any step.*

1. Recovery codes: 
    - [![mfa-ssh-setup-recovery-codes.png](https://wiki.math.uzh.ch/public/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/mfa-ssh-setup-recovery-codes.png)](https://wiki.math.uzh.ch/public/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/mfa-ssh-setup-recovery-codes.png)
2. TOTP: copy the secret to your authenticator (such as KeePassXC) 
    - [![mfa-ssh-setup-totp.png](https://wiki.math.uzh.ch/public/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/mfa-ssh-setup-totp.png)](https://wiki.math.uzh.ch/public/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/mfa-ssh-setup-totp.png)
3. Email: the email assigned to your account will be used 
    - [![mfa-ssh-setup-email.png](https://wiki.math.uzh.ch/public/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/mfa-ssh-setup-email.png)](https://wiki.math.uzh.ch/public/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/mfa-ssh-setup-email.png)

If **second factor is already configured**, you can use a code from any method. Type *email* to request an email code - an email is sent automatically *only* when it is the only method. [![mfa-ssh-challenge.png](https://wiki.math.uzh.ch/public/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/mfa-ssh-challenge.png)](https://wiki.math.uzh.ch/public/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/mfa-ssh-challenge.png)

*Entering an invalid code does not break the authentication process: you will be given another chance to enter a correct code.*