What is 2FA? What is the Difference Between Desktop 2FA and Online Services 2FA?
What is Two Factor Authentication, aka 2FA?
Two Factor Authentication, shortened typically to 2FA, is an additional layer of security to help secure your account. You are likely used to a username + password combination, which is a single factor (Your password) authentication method. A second factor authentication provides another method of proving you own the account, such as the use of a one-time generated passcode or a hardware device that you plug into your machine.
Why use 2FA? What makes Single Factor Authentication so vulnerable?
Traditional single factor authentication, a password, is vulnerable because that password needs to be stored on a server by the providing service in order to check it against what a user enters into the password field. This means a malicious actor can potentially steal hundreds to thousands of passwords at a time if they are able to breach a service's security. Alternatively, if your password is intercepted while it's being checked by the service by a malicious actor, it gives that malicious actor control of your account, and any other account's that may use that same password.
2FA typically falls into one of three categories:
- A Knowledge Factor (Something you know, like a password or a PIN Code)
- A Possession Factor (Something you own, like an NFC Card or a One-Time Randomly Generated Passcode sent to your phone)
- A Biometric Factor (Face ID, Fingerprint, etc.)
Single Authentication by password falls within the "knowledge factor". By combining that with a possession factor or biometric factor, you increase the strength of your account's security.
So what is the Difference between Desktop 2FA and Online Services 2FA?
Desktop 2FA
Desktop 2FA at SCC protects your account by requiring 2FA to log in to a physical computer at SCC. This is required for all SCC Employees only.
You can login to any SCC Machine by use of a combination of a Password + Your Swipe Card, or via Password + One Time Passcode depending upon what you have registered.
These second factors are distinct and separate from Online Services 2FA.
Click Here to Learn how to Enroll In Desktop 2FA
Online Services 2FA
Online Services 2FA is used to access any web based services provided by the college. This is protected by a combination of Password + One Time Passcode.
These One Time Passcodes are distinct and separate from the Desktop 2FA codes.