What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires more than one way to verify a user’s identity. It’s also known as 2-step verification or 2-factor authentication.
How does it work?
When using MFA, you will still enter your username and password as usual, but you’ll then prompted to provide a second factor of authentication, examples of a second form of authentication are;
- A text message sent to your phone
- A code generated by an app on your phone
- A push notification on your phone that you approve
Please note – You will not need to provide this information every time you login. Occasionally you will be prompted on your work device for a second form of authentication, but most often you will need to provide a second form of authentication when using a device you have never logged into before or a device you have not logged into for a long time.
Why are we doing this?
- MFA makes it much harder for hackers to access accounts and data
- Even if a hacker compromises a user’s password, they won’t be able to access the account if they can’t provide the second factor
What is SMS Authentication?
SMS Authentication is when you receive a text message with a code to confirm your identity. This is a popular option for MFA because it requires no app to be installed on your phone, and if you replace your phone it is unaffected as long as you still have the same phone number.
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