Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The Office of Information Technology has started implementing multi-factor authentication for Florida SouthWestern State College Staff and Faculty accounts. This change is being implemented to enhance the security of your accounts. To expand the release of MFA, we are making some changes to the infrastructure behind this, which has required some visible changes.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?Frequently Asked Questions

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

MFA is a way to verify a person's identity attempting to access FSW applications or accounts. Multi-Factor Authentication adds a level of security to the currently provided FSW username and password by requiring you to enter a verification code sent to you through a few different delivery methods. You are starting to encounter MFA when using online services from banks, health providers, and retailers like Amazon in your daily life.

Why does FSW need to move to this?

Institutions like FSW have hundreds of thousands of personally identifiable records with sensitive information in their databases and are a high-value target for global hackers. Ransomware attacks increased by over 134 percent in the last year, and 2021 was the most costly and dangerous year on record for ransomware attacks. MFA is a way to add additional levels of security to our systems and protect our information. In addition, it is also a requirement on the institution's cyber-security insurance policies.

What is changing with this update? 

Effective 3/31, You will see a new log-in page that has been updated and looks similar to the image below. This is the log-in page for Florida SouthWestern State College.  

You will log in just as you always have with your username/password. 

How will I know I've been switched to MFA?

You will be prompted to set up and attach an authentication system to your account. The Office of Information Technology will have USB dongles available to those who would not like to use their mobile devices.

Who do I contact if I need help?

We are here to assist and answer any questions you may have. There are many ways to contact I.T.; you can submit a helpdesk ticket at fsw.edu/helpdesk, email helpdesk@fsw.edu or give us a call at 239-489-9202.

Authenticator options and Account Management guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Multi-Factor Authentication required to get into my college PC or laptop? 
  • No, it is only required to access an application that uses the College's Single Sign On (SSO), such as Canvas, Portal, or Banner.
• Do I need to use it every time I log in?
  • Yes, you will. It's part of the extra security layer that helps protect our entire FSW community. 
• How do I request a USB Dongle?
  • Please submit a request using the following form Technology Check-Out Request.
• Can I use a USB Dongle and App Authenticator?
  • Yes, enhancements have been developed to allow the use of both.
• Do I need a Device Name?
  • It is not required, but it's a good habit to name the device with a brief identifiable name you can identify easily in the future.
• What Multi-Factor Authentication method is best for me?
  • That’s a great question and one of personal preference. We are providing multiple options so you can choose the one(s) that is most convenient for you. Your options are:
    • Mobile phone app
      • Flexible
      • Requires your phone/device to be with you at all times to access college applications
      • Requires you to use your device
    • Google Chrome extension
      • Convenient
      • It has to be installed on the machine you are using to access the applications.  If it is a different machine, it might not have the authenticator extension app installed.
      • It can be used in conjunction with the mobile phone app
    • USB Dongle
      • Requires no use of personal devices
      • You can use the other authentication methods as well now alongside this option.
      • It cannot be used through a remote desktop session (RDS).  
• Will I be able to manage my own devices, or am I required to work through the Information Technology helpdesk?
  • You can currently manage your MFA account through the FSW Portal. There you can add, remove, and review the devices associated with your MFA account.
• I get an error message when trying to set up an authenticator
  • We are here to assist and answer any questions you may have. There are many ways to contact IT, and you can use our live chat and submit a helpdesk ticket at fsw.edu/helpdesk, email helpdesk@fsw.edu or call us at 239-489-9202

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