Imagine your online accounts as a house with your most valuable possessions inside. Having a secure and strong password is like a single lock on the door. If the lock is picked, your house and valuables are at risk.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Microsoft Authenticator at the University, is adding multiple layers of security to your house. Like adding a bodyguard behind your door. This is why MFA/Authenticator is enabled for your uOttawa accounts. If you log in using your password, your identity must be proven through the Authenticator app on your smartphone (which is hopefully protected with a passcode or biometric scanner). That’s three layers of security!
Each layer of security makes it significantly harder for anyone to break in. Which increases your security and protects your identity. This can be useful in situations where you want
- notifications if someone tries to access your accounts
- added protection if your account is compromised
- security for your accounts if your devices are lost/stolen
Bottom line
Adding authentication makes hacking your online accounts harder, even if your password is compromised.
When authentication is enabled, you receive a notification for any attempted login and can take preventative actions, such as changing your account password, to protect your accounts.
Boost the security of your account today
Check if Multi-Factor Authentication, account authentication or verification can be added to your online accounts, such as
- Social media
- Banking or anything used for financial transactions online
- Email and messaging applications
- Online stores
Refer to the 2FA Directory for information about the authentication types that are available for many popular websites.