Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to the authentication process beyond the standard username and password. It is most frequently used by ACCESS web services that want to add another check when authenticating your identity, but it can also be used by ssh logins to add another authentication factor to the normal username and password.

There are various ways to add another “factor” to your account password. Additional factors that might be used include a telephone number, smartphone, physical token, or other device that is unique to you. With a such a device paired to your ACCESS account via MFA, it becomes much more difficult for another person to gain access to your account, files and data than is the case with Single-Factor Authentication. Some ACCESS service providers (e.g. TACC, SDSC, PSC) have already or plan to implement MFA on their resources. Many ACCESS web services require MFA and support Duo Security as one of their MFA methods.

Manage Multi-Factor Authentication

For the latest information about MFA in ACCESS please see Managing Multi-Factor Authentication in ACCESS.