Okta - What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
MFA, sometimes referred to as two-factor authentication or 2FA, is a security enhancement that allows you to present two pieces of evidence, also known as your credentials, when logging in to an account. MFA credentials fall into any of these three categories: something you know (like your ParklandOne username and password), something you have (like a mobile phone), or something you are (like your fingerprint). Please note that fingerprints and other biometrics will not be required for authentication to Parkland College systems. MFA is one of the best ways to protect against remote attacks such as phishing, credential exploitation, and other attempts to takeover your account.
Click on the link below for a two minute video on MFA and the benefits it provides.
Did you know that you are already using MFA when accessing your Parkland Microsoft Office 365 account? That MFA is configured through Microsoft. Moving forward, the College will be using MFA for most systems and has chosen a product called Okta for this purpose. The initial scope of connected systems and applications will be small but the eventual goal is to have most Parkland systems, including Office 365/email, require Okta MFA for access. Okta provides a robust MFA security platform that will keep Parkland's network, data, and users safer from the threat of phishing and cyberattacks. It will allow you to sign in with your ParklandOne credentials and utilize an additional factor or factors for access such as:
- Okta Verify mobile app
- Google Authenticator mobile app
- SMS text message
- Voice call
- Security key