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Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA), is a security measure that requires anyone logging into an account to navigate a two-step process to prove their identity. It makes it twice as hard for criminals to access an online account. When it’s available, always turn it on because it’s easy to do and greatly increases your security.

How does MFA work?

By adding one more simple step when logging into an account, multi-factor authentication greatly increases the security of your account. Here’s how it works. Just like logging into your account, the first step is giving your password or passphrase. The second step is to provide an extra way of proving that you’re you, like entering a PIN code or texting/emailing a code to your mobile device, or accessing an authenticator app.

MFA can include:

• A extra PIN (personal identification number)
• The answer to an extra security question like, “What’s your favorite pet’s name?”
• An additional code either emailed to an account or texted to a mobile number
• A biometric identifier like facial recognition or a fingerprint
• A yes or no button or unique number generated by an authenticator app (like those from Microsoft, Google or Duo)
• A secure token, which is a separate piece of hardware (like a key fob that holds information) that verifies a person’s identity with a database or system

What type of accounts offer MFA?

Not every account offers MFA, but it’s becoming more popular every day. It’s seen on many accounts that usually hold either valuable financial or personal information like banks, financial institutions, online stores, or social media platforms. Any place online that is storing your personal information (especially financial information), or any account that can be compromised and used to trick or defraud someone else should be protected with MFA. Simply put, use MFA everywhere!

Have you set MFA up at UA-PTC?

As of May 31, 2022, MFA is required for accessing student e-mail, Blackboard and Workday. A set of visual step by step setup instructions for MFA, including additional instructions if you don’t have a smart device can be downloaded at the following: Setup Multi-Factor Authentication | Spanish version

If assistance is needed with MFA or for questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the IT Services Help Desk at (501) 812-2780 or visit in-person at the Main Campus (A Building, Room 111) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

For additional reading about MFA, visit www.uaptc.edu/mfa.

About Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is designed to engage and educate public- and private-sector partners through events and initiatives with the goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity to increase the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyber incident. Since the Presidential proclamation establishing Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2004, the initiative has been formally recognized by Congress, federal, state and local governments and leaders from industry and academia. This united effort is necessary to maintain a cyberspace that is safer and more resilient and remains a source of tremendous opportunity and growth for years to come.