Multi-factor authentication requirement now in effect

Aug. 6, 2021

UA System Office employees who have access to Banner are reminded that enrollment in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) became mandatory on August  4th.

MFA is a way to secure UA accounts from cyber threats, including many recent phishing attempts. MFA significantly reduces the risk of fraud tied to account compromise, and is a standard practice in industries with large volumes of data, such as higher education.

How does MFA work?

MFA combines multiple elements (or factors) unique to you to protect your account. These elements can include things you know (e.g. a password or PIN), things you have (e.g. a smartphone or security key), or things that you are (e.g. a fingerprint or other biometric information). At UA, the first factor is a password that only you know. The second factor is a device - such as a smartphone, phone, tablet or token - that the account owner has possession of. For example, a bank account uses MFA for security by requiring both a PIN and a debit card.

After you enroll in MFA, when you log in to any UA MFA-protected website or service, you will enter your username and password (something you know) as you do today, and then use your smartphone or another device (something you have) to verify your identity.

How do I enroll in MFA?

Enrolling in MFA is quick and easy. First sign in to ELMO, then select Security Settings and choose the Multi-factor Authentication option.

To avoid disruption, UA System Office staff who have access to Banner were encouraged to enroll in MFA no later than August 3rd. After that date any UA System Office staff member with Banner Access will be required to use MFA to secure their account before they can sign in to any service that leverages the UA SSO (Banner, Google Email/Docs, Zoom, Blackboard, etc.).

Questions and for more information?

Visit OIT's MFA information pages. Also found here are instructions showing the process of setting up a smartphone with MFA.