• Multi-factor authentication
  • MFA becoming mandatory

22,863 accounts have enabled MFA

What is multi-factor authentication?

Multi-factor authentication or MFA is a feature that adds extra layers of security to your account. When it is enabled, logging into your account requires your password and one or more additional factors. If your password is compromised, your account is still secured as the attacker won't have the additional factors.

Why has it become mandatory?

There has been a sharp increase in data breaches and credential theft in the last few years. As a result, post secondary institutions and organizations across the globe have mandated MFA.  It is quickly becoming a standard security practice. With MFA enabled, your data is secure even if an attacker has your password.  In fact this extra layer of protect is so effective, cyber insurance premiums go down significantly if your organization mandates it. Although we are aware that using MFA is a slight inconvenience, we have determined that the added security and cost savings more than make up for it.  

How do I enable it?

There are two ways to enable MFA. 

Using Google

Two-step verification is Google's version of MFA. It protects D2L and Google Workspace services such as your MRU email, Google Drive, Google Docs and Google Sheets. You can use a prompt sent to your smartphone or an authentication key as your second factor and it takes minutes to set up. It must be enabled to retain access to your MRU email and D2L.

Using Duo Security

The Duo Security authentication service is used to provide MFA for non-Google services. It uses an app on your smartphone or an authentication key as a second factor and is easy to set up. At the moment GlobalProtect is the only service requiring it. However, new ones will be added in the future.