Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - General Information

Tags Duo

General information about UMS Multi-Factor Authentication

For information on how to to enroll please see the article titled "Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - How do I enroll?"

Information

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Multi-Factor Authentication (aka, MFA or 2FA)?
    • Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security technology that requires multiple methods of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify a user's identity for a login or other transaction. 
    • Generally the factors are categorized as:
      • Something you KNOW  (ie, a password)
      • Something you HAVE (ie, a device or token)
      • Something you ARE (ie, biometrics such as fingerprints)
  • Why should I use MFA?
    • Credentials such as a username and password alone no longer suffice as a trusted identifier of legitimate users. There has been a sharp increase in the number of attacks that use compromised user credentials to access target resources.
    • MFA offers additional protection to your digital identity and is commonly used in many businesses.  MFA is highly effective in preventing identity-based attacks by allowing users to provide additional genuine evidence of their identity – in addition to the username and password that they they know, something they have or something they are.
    • Beyond all of the security benefits, MFA is really easy to use!
  • When will UMS support MFA?
    • Since mid-2022, UMS supports MFA for most faculty and staff for most commonly used applications
    • Currently, only students using specific applications or employed in specific roles are eligible for MFA, but we hope to expand eligibility in the future.
  • What will this mean for faculty and staff?
    • Whenever you are presented with the standard UMS login screen (as shown below), you will also be asked to authenticate using a second method.
    • UMS login screen requesting entry of username and password
  • What are possible methods of authentication?
    • Recommended:
      • Installation of the DUO application on a Smart Device (ie, phone or tablet)
        • MFA Confirmation Screen from a SmartPhone
      • Key-ring Token that generates One-Time-Password (OTP) codes
        • Sample token generator showing one time password
    • Enabled, but not fully supported
      • Hardware token connect to your device (such as Yubikey)
      • Coming soon....  biometrics supported by your device
  • I have more questions... who do I ask?

 

Environment

  • UMS Standard logins

 

0% helpful - 1 review
Print Article

Related Articles (1)

This article lists the available devices that can be used for MFA.

Related Services / Offerings (1)