If you receive a "CSRF token verification failed" error when trying to log in with your CSU System NetID, this guide will walk you through what it means and how to resolve it. This error can block access to services and systems, but is usually resolved by clearing your browser data.
Applicable to: Fort Collins, Pueblo, Spur, System
Affiliation: Students, Faculty, Staff, Guests
What is a CSRF token error?
A CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) token is a security measure used during login to ensure that the request is coming from a legitimate session. When this token is missing or invalid, your login attempt may fail with the message:
"CSU SYSTEM NETID LOGIN — Processing Error: CSRF token verification failed"
This typically happens when:
- Your browser session has expired
- You have multiple login tabs open
- Browser cache or cookies are interfering with login
- You navigated back to a cached login page
Instructions
To fix the CSRF token verification error, try the following steps:
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Close all browser windows
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Open a new browser window
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Clear your browser's cache and cookies
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Chrome:
Click the three-dot menu in the upper right → Select Settings → Click Privacy and security → Click Clear browsing data → Choose Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Clear data
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Firefox:
Click the menu icon (three lines) → Select Settings → Click Privacy & Security → Scroll to Cookies and Site Data, then click Clear Data
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Edge:
Click the three-dot menu → Go to Settings → Click Privacy, search, and services → Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear, select cookies and cache, then click Clear now
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Safari:
Click Safari in the top menu → Choose Preferences → Go to Privacy tab → Click Manage Website Data... → Remove All
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Close the browser entirely after clearing the data
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Reopen the browser and go to a CSU login page again
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Try logging in using your NetID and password
Outcome
After following these steps, the CSRF token verification error should be resolved, and you should be able to log in successfully using your CSU System NetID. If the issue persists, try a different browser or restart your device.