Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires the use of two or more authentication measures for a service or system to be accessed. For example, password authentication can be combined with additional authentication on a mobile phone application or through an automatic phone call.

Multifactor Authentication makes phishing attempts by criminals much more difficult. Even if both the username and password fell into the wrong hands through a scam, criminals would not be able to log in to the service without completing additional authentication on the user’s phone, for example.

In Multifactor Authentication, information security is strengthened by adding another authentication method to the service. This can mean using a mobile application in addition to the password.

At the University of Helsinki, Multifactor Authentication was introduced for Microsoft Office 365 services in autumn 2021. Read more about Multifactor Authentication in the instructions provided by the University’s IT Helpdesk.