Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Binghamton University now requires that all accounts use two factors of authentication (2FA) for certain services including Brightspace myBinghamton, BU Brain and others. Sign up now to ensure no interruptions in service.
Two Factor Authentication is an extra layer of security that requires that an individual has the following two things before they are able to authenticate into a system. These include:
- Something you know (examples: password or PIN)
- Something you have (examples: phone, computer, keyfob, card)
Consider the situation where you want to withdraw money from an ATM. In order to do so, you need both a PIN (something you know), as well as your ATM Card (something you have). Effectively, the concept here is the same.
The good news is that, if you know your Binghamton University username and password, you already have the “something you know,” which means you’re already halfway there. The part that remains is the “something you have.”
To fully enroll in 2FA, you will first need to identify the device or devices you want to use for verification (something you have). This could be a personal cell phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. Once you have identified the device, you will need to download and install an application, and then configure a secret “token” on that device.
Once you have identified the device, follow the relevant instructions below:
