ACTION REQUESTED - MULTIFACTOR AUTHENTICATION
TRSU will be implementing two factor authentication for the faculty when accessing Two Rivers Supervisory Union systems. While this is not mandatory right now, it will be by the Fall. This action is intended to improve our network security as well as your account security. We strongly recommend that you take advantage of this anywhere you can but starting with Google Workspace.
BACKGROUND
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security system that requires two distinct forms of identification in order to access something. 2FA is designed to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to an account with nothing more than a stolen password. Google calls it two-step verification.
Two-factor authentication is a combination of two of the following:
- Something you know (your password)
- Something you have (such as a text with a code sent to your smartphone or other device, or a smartphone authenticator app)
- Something you are (biometrics using your fingerprint, face, or retina)
An example is when you are prompted to input your zip code when paying for fuel at the pump for your car. Another is when Apple sends a code to a second Apple device you own to verify who you say you are when you are in account recovery mode.
While 2FA is more secure, it is not foolproof. Email phishing attacks, account recovery procedures, and malware can be used to obtain information to allow access to your accounts by a hacker or another third party. Texts can also be intercepted by a third party.
Depending on the platform you will use for 2FA, the process will vary. You have three basic platforms. Your computer, an Android device, or an Apple iPhone or iPad.
Link to Google instructions