There are cyber attacks in the news all the time, but there’s one trick that helps to make your accounts difficult to breach, called multi-factor authentication, or MFA. Using just a password to login to accounts is like shutting your door at night. MFA is like locking your door at night. You need to use #MoreThanAPassword! Here's why you should use MFA on all your accounts.
How MFA works
When you enable MFA in your online services (like email, bank accounts, etc.), you enter a password like your normally would, but you need to also provide an authenticator (like a text to your phone, email, face recognition, or other form) to verify your identity before the service grants you access. If your password becomes compromised, bad actors won’t be able to gain access to your accounts because they can’t match the second authenticator.
Use MFA to secure your accounts
MFA is offered on almost every online service. Generally, you can turn on MFA by heading to the account settings section or in security settings. Here’s more info from CISA: cisa.gov/mfa
How Do I Enable MFA?
Now that you know what it is, you’ll see prompts for multifactor authentication all over. So whenever available, be sure to opt in.
Start by looking at the security settings on your most-used accounts. You may see options to enable MFA listed as “Two Factor Authentication,” “Multifactor Authentication,” or “Two Step Factor Authentication.” There are many ways you may be asked to provide a second form of authentication.
Popular forms of MFA include:
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Text message (SMS) or voice message
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Application-based MFA
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Phishing-resistant MFA
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Fingerprint authentication or face scan
Where to implement MFA:
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Email accounts
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Financial services
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Social media accounts
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Online stores
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Gaming and streaming entertainment services
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MFA Settings for Members Choice Credit Union Here's where you can find your MFA settings to turn this on for your Members Choice Digital Banking. Login to online banking on your browser. Go to "Tools & Support" then to the "Security" tab and turn on Two-Factor Authentication. Choose and setup your MFA options from this screen anytime. |
Want more tips like this? See more in our security and fraud center.
