By: Ben Leschensky
By the end of November, all PLU students, faculty, and staff will be required to use Multi-Factor Authentication for all devices connected to ePass. Also known as two-factor authentication, this procedure adds another step to the login process, and requires downloading an app in order to work.
Bah-humbug, right? Not so quickly.
PLU’s implementation of two-factor authentication is important and strategic to the privacy and security of all parties involved. The additional layer of security helps strengthen an account’s defenses to malicious hackers or 3rd parties that may be trying to steal private information.
The rise of technology and the internet has allowed for people to put their entire lives on the internet, including sometimes personal and very private information. Credit card numbers, addresses, and social security numbers are some of the things that end up online. Naturally, there are people out there that illegally try to steal this information for a profit, using code-breaking programs, phishing tactics, and hacks to steal from others.
With all that being said, it makes sense that PLU is pushing this out to all affiliated parties. ePass, Banner, and Sakai all contain potentially personal information, so adding a beefier security system makes sense.
Despite the benefits of two-factor authentication, I’ve only heard negative things on it from PLU students and faculty. Most people don’t like having to reach for their phone to authenticate their login; however, people seem relieved when they realize they can have the device remember them for 120 days (assuming they check the box shown on the Duo app).
In my opinion, this goes against the point of two-factor. Having the device remember you puts you at risk for having your information stolen. Even though it can be a hassle opening your phone to authenticate every time you log in, it’s ultimately the best practice for keeping your information safe. So when you start using two-factor, I encourage you to take the extra step each time you log in. Better safe than sorry.
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Multi-Factor Authentication will be required by all students, faculty, and staff by the end of November. Learn more about how to protect your information by going to https://www.plu.edu/helpdesk/getting-started-with-duo-multi-factor-authentication
