Carnegie Mellon University
Computing Services  ›  Information Security Office  ›  News  ›  2022  ›  Multi-factor Authentication

always use multi-factor authentication - cybersecurity awareness month

October 03, 2022

Multi-factor Authentication

Always enable multi-factor authentication

Also known as two-factor authentication and two-step verification. No matter what you call it, multi-factor authentication, or MFA, is a security measure that requires anyone logging into an account to navigate a two-step process to prove their identity. It makes it twice as hard for criminals to access an online account. When it’s available, always turn it on because it’s easy to do and greatly increases your security. 

How does MFA work?

By adding one more simple step when logging into an account, multi-factor authentication greatly increases the security of your account. Here’s how it works. Just like logging into your account, the first step is giving your password or passphrase. The second step is to provide an extra way of proving that you’re you, like entering a code texted/emailed to your mobile device, or accessing an authenticator app. 

MFA can include
  • An additional code either emailed to an account or texted to a mobile number
  • A biometric identifier like facial recognition or a fingerprint
  • A unique number generated by an “Authenticator App” 
  • A secure token, which is a separate piece of hardware (like a key fob that holds information) that verifies a person’s identity with a database or system
What type of accounts offer MFA?

Not every account offers MFA, but it’s becoming more popular every day. It’s seen on many accounts that usually hold either valuable financial or personal information like banks, financial institutions, online stores, or social media platforms. Any place online that is storing your personal information (especially financial information), or any account that can be compromised and used to trick or defraud someone else should be protected with MFA. So, basically everything. Simply put, use MFA everywhere!

Duo 2fa

Carnegie Mellon University offers multi-factor authentication via our Single Sign On (SSO) with Duo.  Duo is required to access login.cmu.edu and our VPN.  More information can be found at: https://www.cmu.edu/computing/services/security/identity-access/authentication/index.html

Adapted from National CyberSecurity Alliance: https://staysafeonline.org/online-safety-privacy-basics/multi-factor-authentication/