Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enhances the security of your account by requiring an additional verification step beyond your password.
The most common factors are:
- Something you have (a phone or key)
- Something you know (a password or pass phrase)
- Something you are (fingerprint or face recognition)
By applying two or more of these factors, it becomes very difficult for an attacker to assume your identity.
Why do we need MFA?
Multi-Factor Authentication keeps your account secure even if your password is compromised. Simply put, passwords aren't enough anymore. They are becoming easier and easier to compromise. MFA helps fight against phishing, social engineering, and helps to secure your logins from attackers using stolen credentials.
Incorporating MFA is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to secure digital identities and personal information of all College account holders, as well as our College data.
Credit: NIST/Natasha Hanacek
For more information, please visit: https://www.nist.gov/itl/applied-cybersecurity/tig/back-basics-multi-factor-authentication