Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor Authentication

In an effort to increase cybersecurity and protect your UNCW identity, ITS uses Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). It is mandatory for all UNCW students, faculty and staff to access UNCW applications, such as Office 365, email and canvas.

What is 2FA?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), provides an extra layer of protection to your account by verifying your identity through a second method or factor when granting access to university resources.

The most common factors are:

  • Something you have (a phone or key)
  • Something you know (a password or code)
  • Something you are (fingerprint or face recognition)

By applying two or more of these factors, it becomes very difficult for an attacker to assume your identity

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

img

Enrolling in 2FA

Enrolling your account in 2FA couldn’t be easier. Visit our knowledge base article, How Do I Use Microsoft Authenticator for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?, and have a smartphone or tablet handy to install the Microsoft Authenticator app. In just a few minutes, you can eliminate 99.9% of the risks facing your account and help protect the campus!

 

Why Do We Need 2FA?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) keeps your account secure even if your password is compromised. Simply put, passwords aren't enough anymore. They are becoming easier and easier to compromise. 2FA helps fight against phishing, social engineering, and password brute-force attacks and helps to secure your logins from attackers using stolen credentials.

Incorporating 2FA is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to secure the digital identity and personal information of all UNCW account holders, as well as our university data. This initiative is part of the UNCW information security program strategy and in alignment with the UNC 1400.3 User Identity and Access Control Policy.

Microsoft Authenticator is Available for:

  • Mobile Phones
  • Smartphones
  • Tablets

Get Microsoft Authenticator for Android 

Get Microsoft Authenticator for iOS