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FAQ - MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) and Yubikey

FAQ - MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) and Yubikey

 

Multi- factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your Selkirk College network identity designed to ensure that you're the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password. MFA significantly mitigates potential damage from Phishing/Credential stealing and Malware. For example, when you access your online banking application you may be required to respond to a text message sent to your smart phone. The text message communicates a code that you need to input into the banking website. This text message is called a “second factor” and is part of Multi-Factor Authentication – essentially a second way to prove you are who you say you are.

NOTE: MFA and 2FA (Two-factor authentication) are the same thing.

First factor is "What you know"  - Selkirk email and password.

Second factor is "What you have" - examples: a College or personal smartphone with Microsoft Authenticator App installed.

 

Multi-factor authentication is an extra step added to the log-in process, such as a code sent to your phone, that helps verify your identity and prevent cybercriminals from accessing your private information.

MFA adds one more step of authenticating your identity making it harder for an attacker to access your data. This drastically reduces the chances of fraud, data loss, or identity theft.

Watch this short video clip for a user friendly learning explanation.

You can use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, have a text sent to your phone, or use a Yubikey token.

Passwords are increasingly easy to compromise. They can often be stolen, guessed, or hacked — you could be locked out of your account, or you might not even know someone is accessing it. With MFA, you'll be alerted right away (on your phone) if someone is trying to log in as you.

  1. Log in to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/ and change your method of authentication

  2. Get a replacement Yubikey from the Bookstore

  1. Try a different web browser when registering your Yubikey (Chrome works, Safari does not)

  2. Reboot your computer and try again

  3. Try a different USB port (USB ports on the back of your computer are typically better quality)