Two-step is one of the best and easiest things you can do to make sure your accounts don’t get hacked. You sign in with something you know (your password) and use something you have (commonly a mobile phone). Many faculty, staff and students at Williams have already signed up – don’t be the last one!
Get started on two-step here:
https://oit.williams.edu/help-docs/2-factor-authentication/
Passwords aren’t as secure as they used to be, and if someone gets your password, they can access your account without any fuss. Even having a strong password doesn’t completely protect you. Two-factor authentication solves this problem. Why is Williams recommending the use of two-step verification? Not only does two-step protect your own information, enabling it will greatly enhance the college’s information security, and help to protect direct deposit information, research data, and intellectual property, as well as faculty, staff, and student personal information. What happens if I don’t have access to my primary device? What if I forget or lose my mobile phone? You can add a second device (strongly recommended) or a desk phone number when setting up your two-step verification account and use that second device to authenticate. Additionally, the OIT Help Desk has the ability to provide a one-time bypass code over the phone (additional information will be required to verify your identity). What if I travel often or work overseas? Anyone who travels or works internationally can use a phone app to generate your authentication code without an Internet or cellular connection. Or you can print out codes to carry with you while travelling.