Cybersecurity Awareness Month Week 2 – Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA provides us with extra security by confirming our identities when logging in to our accounts, like entering a code texted to a phone or one generated by an authenticator app. MFA increases security—it can make us significantly safer online. Even if an unauthorized user steals your password, they won’t be able to meet the second step requirement to access your accounts.
Turn on MFA for every account or app that offers it:
- Go to Settings
Look for settings under your account profile. It may be called Account Settings, Profile, Preferences, Privacy or similar. Then, select the security settings. This could be labeled Security, Password and Security or similar. - Look for and turn on MFA
It may be called two-factor authentication, two-step authentication or similar. - Confirm your choice
Select which MFA method to use from the options provided by each account or app. Examples are:
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- Receiving a numeric code by text or email
- Using an authenticator app: These phone apps generate a new code every 30 seconds. Use this code to complete logging in.
- Biometrics: This uses facial recognition or fingerprints to confirm our identities.
PRO TIP: Check to see whether your email accounts, banks, healthcare providers, and other important accounts offer MFA and enable it by default. If they don’t, ask them why not. It’s your information they’re putting at risk!
Have Questions or Need Assistance Setting Up MFA? Reach out to a Member of the BMT Security Team
