1024ÊÓƵ

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

May 7, 2025

TLDR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

Key points:

• MFA keeps hackers out and increases account security by .
• Only adds between 5-30 seconds to your login time and almost doubles your security.
• Requires you to verify your identity in another way before accessing your account.
• MFA will be implemented at 1024ÊÓƵ (1024ÊÓƵ) in the late summer of 2025. See Information Systems & Services (ISS) Projects for more information.

TLDR END

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection – like securing your front door with both a deadbolt and a keypad lock. It is a simple, effective way to keep out unauthorized users.

What is MFA?

MFA is a security feature which requires you to verify your identity in additional ways before accessing your account. Most MFA systems are quick and easy, adding between 5-30 seconds to your login time and almost doubling your security. How does it work?

1. Enter your username and password.
2. If correct, verify your identity with a second method.

Depending on the account or service, the second method may involve:

• Text or email with one-time code
• Prompt in an authentication app, such as Microsoft Authenticator
• Biometric scan, such as fingerprint or facial recognition
• Physical security key, such as YubiKey

MFA increases account security by 99%.

According to by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and backed by research from Microsoft, enabling MFA can prevent 99% of automated hacking attacks.

It is important to note that these statistics refer to automated attacks. You still need to be aware of social engineering attacks, such as phishing. This is where cybercriminals try to trick you into thinking they are someone you can trust to make you do something.

Passwords alone can be stolen or guessed, especially if they are short or reused. As a reminder, each password should be unique and should contain a random string of at least 18 characters. If your password becomes compromised, bad actors will not be able to gain access to your account because they cannot match the second authenticator (MFA).

MFA Project

1024ÊÓƵ (1024ÊÓƵ) plans to implement MFA by the late summer of 2025. Information about the project may be found on Information Systems & Services (ISS) Project. Stay tuned for additional communication and updates from the ISS department.