In today’s digital world, fraudsters never sleep. They’re always scheming to get your personal information, including your passwords. Most people have many digital accounts, for everything from finances to social media, so it’s increasingly important to take steps to keep your personal information safe. One way to protect yourself is by using multifactor authentication (MFA) whenever it is available. 

What is multifactor authentication (MFA)? 

Multifactor authentication (MFA), also called two-factor authentication (2FA), is a security method that adds an extra layer of protection to the sign-in process. It requires users to verify their identity in additional ways beyond just entering a password. The added step (or steps) can be a variety of things, like using facial recognition on your phone, approving sign-ins with push notifications or entering one-time passcodes. 

How does multifactor authentication work? 

By enabling MFA on your account, you’ll keep would-be identity thieves from getting into that account with a password alone. You can typically choose a multifactor identification method from among the following options: 

Something you know: passwords, passphrases or PIN codes.
Something you have: a specific security app or digital token, your email or your phone.
Something you are: fingerprints, facial recognition or voice recognition. 

Does Grow offer multifactor authentication? 

Yes, we do! We automatically require a second method of identification when you log in to your Grow account from a new device, browser or geographic area. To turn on MFA for every future login, follow these steps: 

• Log in to online banking.* 
• Navigate to the Tool tab.
• Choose Settings and then Security. 
• Under Two-Factor Authentication, toggle on your preferred notification method.

When you enable two-factor authentication in Grow Online Banking, we’ll send you a secure, one-time code each time you log in (via your preferred notification method). This means that to enter your account unlawfully, someone would need both your account password and physical access to your phone, which is unlikely.  

Multifactor authentication options at Grow  

There are several ways you can receive an authentication code from Grow. These include: 

Voice call. We’ll send a quick voice call to the number connected with your account. 
Text message. We’ll send an SMS to the number connected with your account.
Authentication app. You can use a third-party app like Google Authenticator, Authy or Duo, to perform two-factor authentication. 

 How do I set up a third-party app? 

Want an additional layer of protection? Use an app to generate time-based, one-time passwords (TOTP). It’s easy. Once you’ve downloaded your app of choice — either Google Authenticator, Authy or Duo — you can go to your security settings in online banking. Then follow these simple steps: 

• Under Two-Factor Authentication, enroll in TOTP.
• A QR code will appear. Scan it with your third-party app.
• Enter the TOTP code into the appropriate field.
• Click Next. 

And that’s it! Remember, two-factor authentication is a great deterrent for identity theft. We’ll never call you and ask you for the one-time code. You’ll only be asked to enter it on the log in screen. Remember to never read your security codes over the phone to anyone.  

For more details about multifactor authentication, check out this MFA info sheet from cisa.gov. 

Phishing scams, online scams and identity theft are increasingly common. Learn additional ways you can keep yourself safer online.

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• Security Education