An introduction to 2-step verification and instructions for enrolling your MHC Account in Google 2-step verification.
What is 2-step verification?
2-step verification, also called two factor, 2Step, or multi-factor authentication, is an important tool for keeping your online accounts secure. With 2-step verification enabled, logging into an online account becomes a multi-step process. You’ll need BOTH something you know (your username and password) AND access to something you have (ex. your phone) to log into an online account that is secured with 2-step verification.
There are lots of ways that the second step can work:
- Receive a one-time code via text, phone call, email, or third party app
- Enter a one-time code from a list you have pre-printed
- Insert a USB device
Like many other colleges, in order to protect both individual accounts and the college network of users, Mount Holyoke College requires that students, faculty, and staff enable 2-step verification on their MHC Google accounts.
How does it protect my MHC Account?
If your password gets leaked or stolen, bad actors will try to use it to take over control of your account. However, if you have 2-step verification enabled they’ll hit a wall when prompted for 2-step verification because they won’t have access to your other verification methods.
How to enroll in Google 2-step verification
When you first log into your MHC Google account, you should be prompted to enroll in 2-step verification*.
LITS recommends enrolling in 2-step verification right away because you can only self-enroll within 2 weeks of the first time you log in to the account. After that, you'll be locked out of your MHC Google account temporarily and need help from the Technology Help Desk to get back in. If this has happened for you, please use the MHC Account access support service to get help.