Welcome back to Cyber Security Awareness Month! Today’s topic is about multi-factor authentication and why we use it here at ATU.
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, usually via a push notification. Remember, two factors are better than one.
How it works: When logging into your account, you first provide your password or passphrase. Next, you will provide an extra way of proving that you’re you.
This is typically done through:
- An extra PIN (personal identification number)
- An extra security question like, “What’s your favorite pet’s name?”
- An additional code, either emailed or texted
- A biometric identifier like facial recognition or a fingerprint
- A unique number generated by an “Authenticator App”
- A secure token is a separate piece of hardware (like a key fob that holds information) that verifies a person’s identity with a database or system
At Arkansas Tech University, we have an MFA built into our systems, which is recognized as Duo. Having multi-factor authentication is critical to data protection for all accounts. If you don’t already, using an MFA on personal accounts is another way to keep your data secure.
Thank you for helping to remove Arkansas Tech University out of hackers’ reach.