Two-factor authentication is a security measure that requires anyone signing 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 Two-factor authentication work?
By adding one more simple step when logging into an account, two-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.
Two-factor authentication can include:
- An extra PIN (personal identification number).
- The answer to an extra security question.
- 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).
What type of accounts offer two-factor authentication?
Not every account offers two-factor authentication, 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 two-factor authentication. Simply put, use two-factor authentication everywhere it is available!
The Division of IT implemented two-factor authentication using Duo for faculty and staff. IT is in the planning stages of implementing this for students. To learn more about two-factor authentication, see the Duo Two-Factor Authentication webpage.
