Multi-Factor Identification: Necessary or Excessive?
by Jess Currier
In this day and age, it seems more and more security tactics are being used to ensure the safety of private information. Cape Cod Community College (4C’s) is no exception. One may ask, why are such measures necessary? The IT department is aware that the new login system when accessing both Moodle and the school email is not favored by many.
“In today's world, passwords are no longer secure; hackers can crack them faster and faster by the day and [passwords] are only a single layer of security.” Said the IT department. “If your password is ever compromised, a hacker would have full control of your account just because they knew your password”. They also continued to say that “with MFA (multi-factor authorization), you verify your identity through a text message so that we know you are who you say you are”. This means if a student’s password is ever compromised, it does the hacker little good since they would not have access to the student’s phone to verify.
However, there are individuals who believe that this process is annoying and excessive, and causing a problem if a student does not have access to a phone. William Berry, an English professor at 4C’s, is one of those individuals. “I think that security is important and multi-factor authentication can provide further security for the campus.” He said. “However, I find our new system of multi-factor authentication to be intrusive and clunky.” He said that on his own home computer, he has to multi-factor authenticate every time he opens Moodle and log in, and he finds that excessive. “What about the student who doesn’t have a cell phone?” Said Berry. “What if a phone is lost? I’m concerned about placing too many hurdles in front of students in the name of security.”
Berry also thinks that technology is often frustrating enough without the constant necessity to have multiple devices available each time students or staff log in. He believes it could even put some students off from taking courses at 4C’s. “I think technology should be user friendly.” Berry said. “I don’t think consistent multi-factor authentication is user friendly, nor do I believe it to be centered around student success. There has to be another solution.”
Thomas Schaefer, also an English professor and Zoom connoisseur at 4C’s, feels similarly. He narrowed down his thoughts on it in one sentence: “While I understand the purpose and need for MFA and the strictness associated to our current cybersecurity efforts, the effects of such on students and faculty have become frustrating.”
Although some teachers are trying to fight the MFA for students and faculty when accessing Moodle and the school email, some people, especially the IT department, think it is necessary to keep 4C’s cyber-safe.
Categories: Student Life,