Cybersecurity Basics: Multi-factor Authentication Puts You In Control

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Wouldn’t it be nice if your accounts could let you know when someone new is trying to get into them? Even better, wouldn’t it be terrific to make a stolen password useless? Rest easy, your account is safe! That’s essentially the control that multi-factor authentication (MFA) gives to you. And, it only takes about two minutes to set up and two seconds to use. That’s a lot of power for very little effort!

  • How does it work? Once you’ve activated multi-factor authentication on an account, whenever an account login with your password comes from a different device from what you’ve already permitted, an authorization prompt will come to your smartphone or other registered device. Without your approval or current code, a password thief can’t get into your account.
  • Is it difficult to set up? MFA is becoming more widely available and easier to use. Typically, you’ll either install a mobile security app on your smartphone and use that to handle the authorization checks for accounts, or you could use the text/phone call method if you can’t install a mobile app. For international travelers, the mobile app also generates a code so that a data or cellular service connection isn’t required for this second step.
  • Can I adjust frequency of the checks? In many cases, yes, although some accounts may require the verification for specific transactions or functions. You may want to have the extra verification every time you log in (e.g., personal website administration), or you might be comfortable requesting the verification only when an access attempt comes from a computer/device other than the one you originally permitted when you set up MFA—such as personal email account you typically only check from one laptop and one smartphone.
  • Which accounts should I protect with MFA? Why wouldn’t you protect all of them where it’s available? But, start with those that are most critical to your identity and livelihood. Here are some suggestions:
    • Email accounts: “Forgot password” reset requests typically send instructions and links here, so protect this account to make sure you keep control of resetting your account passwords! Note: Multi-factor authentication for students is coming soon. Be on the look out for notices about getting enrolled later this fall!
    • Financial accounts: Protect your money!
    • Online shopping accounts: Protect usage of your stored credit card information!