Summary
What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), also known as two-step authentication, adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring more than just a username and password when signing in on a new device or app, such as Office 365. Nowadays, many personal services like banks and social media platforms also utilize two-factor authentication to enhance security. MFA introduces a second "factor" to verify your identity.
Factors in authentication are different ways of confirming your identity during the sign-in process. There are three common types of factors:
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Something you know: This includes passwords or memorized PINs.
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Something you have: This refers to physical items like smartphones or secure USB keys.
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Something you are: This encompasses biometric traits such as fingerprints or facial recognition.
How does MFA work?
When signing into your work or school account, you initially provide your username and password. Without MFA, anyone who knows these credentials can gain access to your account from anywhere in the world.
However, MFA changes the game. Upon signing in on a new device or app, you enter your username and password as usual, but you are then prompted to provide the second factor to verify your identity. If someone else attempts to sign in as you, they will enter your username and password, but when asked for the second factor, they will be unable to proceed, preventing unauthorized access to your account.
To set up MFA, please use the following knowledge base links for each authentication security method.
Authentication Security Methods for BC NetID:
Authenticator app (mobile devices) - Article - How to: Set-up Multi-Factor... (teamdynamix.com)
Phone - Article - How to: Set-up Multi-Factor... (teamdynamix.com)
Security Key (will be provided by the college on request for faculty and staff) - Article - How to: Set-up Multi-Factor... (teamdynamix.com)
Authentication Security Methods for ctcLink:
Setup MFA - https://ctclinkreferencecenter.ctclink.us/m/79750/l/1602339-okta-multi-factor-authentication#setting-up-your-multi-factor-recovery-options
Logging in with MFA - https://ctclinkreferencecenter.ctclink.us/m/79750/l/1602339-okta-multi-factor-authentication#log-in-to-update-your-account
(note: the information you provided when activating your ctcLink account will automatically be used for MFA)
Having trouble with MFA? Common problems (and solutions) with MFA:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/common-problems-with-two-step-verification-for-a-work-or-school-account-63acbb9b-16a1-47b9-8619-6a865e8071a5