Oct 8 – NCSAM Daily Reminder

MFA at MU

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

MFA, sometimes referred to as two-factor authentication or 2FA, is a security enhancement that allows you to present two pieces of evidence – your credentials – when logging in to an account. Your credentials fall into any of these three categories: something you know (like a password or PIN), something you have (like a smart phone/tablet), or something you are (like your fingerprint). Your credentials must come from two different categories to enhance security – so entering two different passwords would not be considered multi-factor.

Why should we use MFA?

MFA helps protect you by adding an additional layer of security, making it harder for bad guys to log in as if they were you. Your information is safer because thieves would need to steal both your password and your phone. You would definitely notice if your phone went missing, so you’d report it before a thief could use it to log in. Plus, your phone should be locked, requiring a PIN or fingerprint to unlock, rendering it even less useful if someone wants to use your MFA credentials. Using MFA is one of the top three things that security experts do to protect their security online, according to recent Google survey. And users feel the same way: almost 9 in 10 (86%) say that using 2FA makes them feel like their online information is more secure, according to TeleSign.

What is IT@MU doing about MFA?

The IT team here at MU is working diligently to roll out MFA to the entire university community in the coming months. For administrators/faculty/staff users of the community, we are working on rolling out Duo MFA. We started earlier in the Fall 2020 term and continue that rollout. Stay tuned for a streamlined more self-service method of getting enrolled. For the students we are rolling out Microsoft Authenticator MFA for you. As of the start of the Fall 2020 semester any newly enrolled student or newly hired employee are automatically being enrolled in to MFA. Getting everyone on board with MFA will lead to a more secure Millersville University.

Get started with MFA

For any administrator/faculty/staff that would like to get enrolled in Duo sooner than later, please email muncsam@millersville.edu and we can get you enrolled. More details are coming soon for a self-serve option for Duo. Students, self-service for MFA is coming soon, look for a communication this month.

If you have any questions about MFA please contact the Helpdesk at help@millersville.edu or call 717-871-7777.