Securing your online accounts has never been more critical in today’s hyperconnected world. Data breaches happen daily, with passwords and personal information often in the wrong hands. An essential way to protect yourself from these breaches is by using multi-factor authentication (MFA). This simple yet powerful security measure adds a vital layer of protection, ensuring your accounts remain safe even if your password is compromised.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
MFA requires users to prove their identity through two or more factors. It goes beyond just entering a username and password—MFA demands something you know (your password) and something you have or are (like a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan). This additional step makes it far harder for attackers to gain access, even if they manage to get a hold of your password.
There are several forms of MFA that you can implement:
- Text Message: A unique code is sent to your phone number via SMS.
- Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP): A code generated by an app like Google Authenticator or Duo.
- Biometric Verification: Using a fingerprint scan or facial recognition to authenticate.
- Physical Security Token: A separate piece of hardware, like a key fob, generates access codes without a smartphone.
Why MFA is Crucial
You might wonder why going through the trouble of adding an extra step to your login process is necessary. Data breaches from even trusted companies have exposed millions of passwords, and hackers have sophisticated tools for cracking weak or reused passwords. MFA adds a second layer of protection that is difficult for attackers to circumvent.
Beyond work or school, MFA should be turned on for all your personal accounts. Your bank, shopping accounts, email, and social media are prime targets for attackers. Identity theft, unauthorized purchases, and email hijacking can wreak havoc on your personal and financial life. Using MFA significantly reduces the risk of these attacks.
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Although MFA is highly effective, no system is foolproof. There have been cases where hackers have bypassed MFA. However, this usually involves getting the user to approve login requests they did not initiate. Attackers may repeatedly send MFA requests, hoping the account owner gets frustrated or confused and eventually approves one by accident.
To stay safe:
- Never approve an authentication request you didn’t initiate.
- Do not share authentication codes with anyone, especially strangers claiming to be customer support.
- Immediately change your password if you receive unsolicited MFA requests.
By being vigilant, you can keep your accounts safe and make MFA work for you.
Conclusion: Secure Your Digital Life
Multi-factor authentication is one of the best ways to secure your accounts. It’s easy to set up, requires minimal effort, and significantly improves your security. Don’t wait for a breach to happen—enable MFA for all your accounts, from work and school to personal banking and social media. Your data is valuable, and protecting it with MFA is a smart, proactive step toward better cybersecurity.
For more information, check out the article below.
Multi-Factor Authentication by the National Cybersecurity Alliance
Phishing Simulations
The College is committed to performing four phishing simulations annually, two in the spring and two in the fall. We will perform both fall phishing simulations during October. All employees will be “phished,” and for the first time, students will be phished, too. Look for suspicious messages delivered to your inbox and report them like any genuine phishing message. Feel free to work with your colleagues and classmates–this is what we want you to do with real malicious emails.
Save the Date for the Virtual Town Hall
A regular feature of Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a town hall meeting with Kendall George, Carleton, and St. Olaf Colleges’ information security officer. In this informational and interactive session, he’ll describe the current state of the higher education cyberthreat and the steps you can take to keep the campus and your digital life secure. There will be ample time for Q&A.
Save the Date: Noon, Wednesday, October 30, 2023.
Cybersecurity Training
Annual cybersecurity training for employees is due by October 31. To encourage everyone to get this done by the end of the month, employees who complete this training by the deadline will be entered into a drawing for two Bon Appetit meal vouchers. Feel free to work as a team and, in other ways, encourage your colleagues to meet this important annual requirement. The course covers a variety of current cybersecurity issues. It doesn’t take a lot of time. Plan for no more than 30 minutes to complete the course.
Cybersecurity is everyone’s job. Be safe out there, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or the Help Desk.