Signing in to Member Docs

Some lab documentation is members-only and lives at ihelp.nuilab.org (opens in new tab) (“NUILab Member Docs”). It’s the same look as this site, but you have to sign in to read it — that’s where the step-by-step setup guides for lab services live.

This page explains the sign-in, and how to make it stronger with two-factor authentication. It’s public on purpose: you need to be able to read it before you can get in.

How signing in works

The lab uses a single sign-on portal at auth.nuilab.org (opens in new tab) . When you open a members-only page, you’re redirected to that portal to sign in; once you’re in, your session also covers the other lab services that use the same portal — you don’t log in separately for each.

Being bounced to auth.nuilab.org is normal and expected — it’s the lab’s own login page, not a third party. After you sign in, you land back on the page you wanted.

First sign-in

1. You’ll get a username and an initial password from Francisco (accounts are created by hand — see Lab services & requesting access ).
2. Go to ihelp.nuilab.org (opens in new tab) . You’ll be sent to the sign-in portal.
3. Enter your username and password, and submit.
4. You’re redirected back, signed in. That’s it.

If your password ever stops working, ask Francisco to reset it — don’t keep retrying, so the account isn’t locked.

One-factor vs two-factor — what’s the difference?

• One-factor (1FA) = just your password. One thing you know. It’s simple, but if your password is guessed, phished, or reused from a leaked site, that’s the whole lock.
• Two-factor (2FA) = your password plus a 6-digit code from an authenticator app on your phone. The second factor is something you have, so a stolen password alone isn’t enough to get in.

Right now, Member Docs uses 1FA (password only). That’s fine for non-sensitive documentation. We recommend adding 2FA anyway — it’s a big security upgrade for a few minutes of setup, and it protects every service the sign-in covers.

Add two-factor (recommended)

You’ll need an authenticator app on your phone — any of these work:

• Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, or a password manager that does TOTP codes (1Password, Bitwarden, etc.).

Then:

1. Sign in at auth.nuilab.org (opens in new tab) with your username and password.
2. Open the portal’s security / registered devices area and choose to add a one-time-password (TOTP) method.
3. The portal shows a QR code. In your authenticator app, choose add account and scan the QR code (or type the shown key).
4. Your app now shows a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Enter the current code back in the portal to confirm.
5. Done — from now on, sign-in asks for your password and the current 6-digit code.

Save a backup. If your app offers backup/export (Authy, 1Password, etc.), use it. If you lose your phone with no backup, ask Francisco to reset your 2FA.

Trouble signing in?

• Stuck in a redirect / “access denied”? Your account may not be in the group that’s allowed yet — ask Francisco to confirm your access.
• Forgot your password, or 2FA device lost? Ask Francisco to reset it.
• Page won’t load at all? Try the sign-in portal directly: auth.nuilab.org (opens in new tab) . If that’s down, let Francisco know.