Skip to main content

Cybersecurity

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

A diagram showing a screen requiring a password, plus a screen showing a second requirement for verification. The third screen shows log-in success.

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) refers to using two or more authentication factors to verify your identity when logging in. There are three types of authentication factors:

  1. Something you know (e.g. password, PIN, or security question)
  2. Something you have (e.g. an app on your phone or physical security key)
  3. Something you are (e.g. fingerprint scan, voice or face recognition)

Password theft occurs often, and attackers are getting increasingly sophisticated and sneaky. That's why UFV has rolled out MFA for all students and employees. When you log in to your UFV account, you will use something you know (e.g. your email and password) and verify your identity with something you have or are (e.g. a code from your phone or your fingerprint).

For more information on MFA, see ufv.ca/mfa or visit our MFA FAQ.

You should also consider using MFA to protect your identity and information when accessing other personal accounts, such as banking, social media and email.