Google Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Beginning March 15th 2024, Upper Lake Unified School District will begin enforcing “two-factor authentication” on all ULUSD employee Google accounts. You may know it by other names like “2FA”, “two-step verification”, or “multi-factor authentication (MFA)”.

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection during the login process. Currently, your Google login is tied to “something you know” (your password). Two-factor authentication adds the second layer of “something you have” (typically your smartphone or a temporary code). You most likely already have experienced using two-factor authentication with an online banking account, so enabling it within Google hopefully will not be a new experience.

Why are we implementing two-factor authentication?

Our cyber insurance provider's requirements for our organization are driven by an ongoing review of what security-related best practices are appropriate. Times are changing and hackers are finding new and creative ways to acquire user passwords. Adding a second form of verification dramatically decreases the likelihood of your password being compromised.

How often will I need to use two-factor authentication?

Google will require two-factor authentication every time you log in to a computer or Chromebook, but you'll have the option to "remember this device". From that point on, Google will not prompt you to perform two-factor authentication on that device unless you clear your browser’s cache, change your password, or if Google suspects that your account has been breached.

What’s the timeline for this change?

We will be migrating all ULUSD staff by March 15th 2024. You will soon receive an email with instructions on how to enable Google 2-Factor Authentication. If you do not enable two-factor authentication by the date listed you will be locked out of your account and you will need to contact ULUSD IT to regain access.  You will be reminded to enable two-factor authentication during the grace period leading up to the end date listed in the email. An example notification message will look like this: