Multi-Factor Authentication – The layered approach to securing your accounts

You may have been asked to set up a Multi-Factor Authentication for some of your online accounts. And maybe you hit "skip" because you didn't have the time to do all that at that precise moment. But if you have just 5 minutes - setting up MFA is an important step to take in securing your digital identity.

What is MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security control that requires users to provide an additional authenticating factor when logging in.  This extra step adds another layer of protection to secure your accounts.  MFA works by providing another way for user to prove you are the authorized user trying to access than account. 

How to Enable MFA?

This can be done in varying ways:

• A text message sent to your cellphone
• A unique number from an Authenticator App (Google Authenticator)
• Biometrics (Fingerprint)

Why Use MFA?

MFA should be used to secure all accounts because in the case an adversary is able to get your password they will still not be able to access your account unless they have that additional authentication factor.  MFA codes cannot be easily retrieved by adversaries and make passwords useless because of that 2nd authentication step. 

Your MFA codes should be treated exactly like passwords and should NEVER be shared.