Multi-factor authentication (MFA) has long been considered a best-practice for security, but now it is effectively a prerequisite, minimal practice for digital security. 

The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack interrupted summer for a lot of us. The attack began when a hacker got the password to a Colonial pipeline network account. Once the hacker got in, they had access to the interior of the pipeline company and brought fuel operations to its knees. If Colonial Pipeline Co. had MFA implemented, the crisis may have been averted.

UNCG requires all employees to use MFA on UNCG accounts. Soon, students will be included, meaning student account access will also require a second factor, like an app on a phone, to log into UNCG services. This requirement will help keep all University data and UNCG users safe.

Outside of UNCG accounts, all accounts should be secured with MFA whenever possible.  Popular services that offer MFA include: 

Check out these sites for more on computing-account security:

• The Verge: How to set up two-factor authentication on your online accounts
• 2FA Directory