GAuth Authenticator is a Chrome browser extension. If you use Chrome to access NCEdCloud, then you can use GAuth to provide your 6-digit OTP. GAuth does not require the use of a mobile phone/device or entering your phone number. More information on GAuth can be found on the NCEdCloud MFA page at /multi-factor-authentication-mfa, or under the MFA topic in the Opt-In Features Menu at the top of the page.
The "One-Time" in One-Time Password (OTP) refers to the number of times you can use a specific 6-digit passcode to login (one time), not something you only enter once. A new valid password is generated for your account every 30 seconds so that someone can't look over your shoulder and see your 6-digit code, or a "hacker" can't capture what you enter and try to reuse it at a later time. It's purpose is to add a "second factor" in addition to your account password, to make your login more secure. It is usually only implemented for user accounts that have access to
The short answer is once per day. Your OTP (6-digit code) is part of the login process to NCEdCloud, so if you typically login to NCEdCloud more than once during the day (you use different computers, tablets, etc. or logoff and close your browser during the day), you will need to enter your OTP on the 3rd screen of the login. If you use the same machine throughout the day, then you’ll only login (and enter your OTP) once.
It depends on the authenticator app you choose. Both the Google Authenticator and RapidIdentity apps that run on your mobile device use a time-based one-time password (TOTP) algorithm to provide a valid 6-digit code (it is not texted to your phone). So while the application RUNS on your phone, you are not sharing the number with anyone, nor being changed any fees. However, other authentication vendors may required you to enter your phone number when registering for the application.
It depends. There are multiple ways of obtaining the 6-digit code that must be entered when you login to NCEdCloud (if you have one of the privileged roles). See the NCEdCloud MFA page for details on the different authenticator applications.
While you can install the Chrome extension "GAuth Authenticator" or another desktop or browser app, these tools must be installed on each device you use to access the NCEdCloud IAM Service. I
As of November 2019, any PSU employee with NCEdCloud privileged roles (LEA Administrator, LEA Data Auditor, LEA Help Desk, LEA Student Help Desk, School Help Desk, or School Student Help Desk), will be required to use MFA and enter a One-Time Password (OTP) with each login to the NCEdCloud RapidIdentity portal.