ISO | Multi-Factor Authentication

ISO | Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor Authentication banner

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-Factor Authentication or MFA is a combination of two or more separate unique log-in methods. These methods fall into three categories: something you know, something you have, and something you are.

Something you know (password)

PRO:
Cheap and easy to use, store, and reset.

CON:
Easy to exploit: passwords used by most users can be guessed or cracked with readily available software.

Something you have (mobile phone, keycard, etc.)

PRO:
Different tangible assets can be used to authenticate. Government entities, such as the military, heavily rely on this form of security.

CON:
Tangible items can be physically lost. Replacements can be expensive and take time to make and issue.

Something you are (biometrics)

PRO:
Biometrics are unique to who you are and are difficult or impossible to fake. This leads to a decrease in breaches due to false positives.

CON:
Hard to reset when locked out. Usually involve the implementation of hardware, which can be expensive.

Why aren’t passwords enough?

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), most passwords used are not secure. That is because most common passwords are created for simplicity and practicality without actually considering security. Today's advancing technology provides cybercriminals with resources to get a hold of passwords regardless of complexity and length. Therefore, adding extra factors of authentication is recommended to secure your device and information.

Why is MFA effective?

Microsoft Security states that 99.9% of account compromises can be avoided by enabling MFA. MFA adds an extra layer of security to protect your devices and data from cybercriminal exploits. If one of your methods of authentication is compromised, a cybercriminal will still not be able to gain access unless they have access to the other form(s) of authentication.

Microsoft Authenticator app

The Office of Information Technology recommends UOG faculty, staff, and students use the Microsoft Authenticator app on their personal smart phones as a form of "Something you have" authentication. In conjuction with a secure password, this will provide MFA for your UOG Triton Email account.

Set up MFA now

The Information Security Office will be implementing MFA across UOG in four (4) phases (see the "Schedule" tab on this page). However, individuals can set up MFA on their own at any time if they prefer.

For instructions on how to set up MFA, please watch the video below or click on the link at the bottom of this page.

How to setup MFA

MFA will be rolled out across UOG according to the schedule below.

Please be aware that this schedule is subject to change. Your department will be contacted prior to implementation. Please check with your department head(s) or revisit this page for updates.

Phase I

Unit	Start Date
President’s Office/ SVP	January 5
GLE	January 5
AREC	January 9
FAO	January 9
OIE	January 11
Alumni Office	January 11
COLL	January 11
Business Office / Bursar / HRO	January 16
EMSS - AmeriCorps, Counseling, SGA, Housing-Dorms, (Staff only)	January 30
Bookstore	February 6
RFK/MARC Libraries	February 6
TRiO/SSS	February 8
MarCom	February 8

Phase II

Unit	Start Date
CLASS	March 13
SBPA / SBDC	March 27
SOE	April 10
SOH	April 17
CNAS	April 24
SENG	May 1
WERI	May 8
Marine Lab	May 15

Phase III

Unit	Start Date
Cancer	September 4
CEDDERS	September 4
ELI	September 4
Endowment	September 11
Triton Athletics	September 11
ROTC	September 11
FMS	September 18

Phase IV - gotritons.uog.edu

Last Name	Start Date
A - Fai	February 5th
Faj - Paj	March 4th
Pak - Zhu	April 8th

Sign-up for a training about Multifactor Auntentication (MFA)

Help us help you prevent unauthorized access attempts and sign-up for a training session on how to set up MFA here. Stay tuned for training dates.

Please note that attendance at a training session is not required to set up MFA. If you would like to set up MFA yourself, please follow the instructions on the "How To" tab on this page.

ISO | Multi-Factor Authentication