NCSAM 2015 spotlight: two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a feature on UDelNet accounts that helps increase security without greatly disrupting your workflow.
All University employees are strongly encouraged to enable 2FA protection for their UDelNet accounts and for other accounts as well.
Most of your accounts are probably protected by the traditional username and password combination, which means that nobody can access the account without the password. Of course, it also means that anyone who has the password can access the account. If your password is stolen or compromised, a hacker could use it to access your account without your knowledge and steal your money, possessions, or identity.
2FA adds a layer of protection to the signin process by requiring a security code in addition to the traditional username and password combination. Even if your password is stolen or compromised, a hacker still can't get into your account because he or she doesn't have access to the second factor of authentication (the first being your password).
When you attempt to log in to a 2FA-enabled account, you will first be prompted for your username and password. After you enter the correct password, you'll also need to enter a security code. This security code is generated at random when you enter your username and password, and it's sent to you securely. The code is temporary, so it will only work for the log in you're currently performing.
UDelNet 2FA security codes can be sent to you via the Google Authenticator app, text or voice message, or fob. Employees interested in using a fob to generate their security codes should be aware that there is a cost to their unit for providing the fob.
To enroll in 2FA protection for your UDelNet account, sign in to My UD Settings and begin the registration process. 2FA takes only a minute or so to enable, and you only need to complete this process once.
Consult the 2FA IT help file for more information, including video walkthroughs and descriptions of the options available to you.
Once you enable 2FA protection for your UDelNet account, be sure to enter our NCSAM 2015 security contest! Employees could be eligible for a chance to win one of three $100 Barnes & Noble gift cards.
The 2FA IT help file covers the necessary information for enrolling in and maintaining 2FA protection for your UDelNet account.
If you require additional assistance, contact the IT Support Center.
2FA is an available technology. Many financial institutions such as banks and tax agencies already offer 2FA protection. Additionally, University employees in benefitted positions can enable 2FA protection for their Fidelity accounts.
You should always enable 2FA for your accounts when possible. The extra protection is worth the extra step. The next time you think about skipping 2FA for your bank account, think about whether the five second you'd spend getting and entering a security code is worth all of the money in your account. If you don't enable 2FA and you get hacked, that's exactly what you'll be losing.
