Salesforce Multi-factor Authentication FAQ

General Information

Why MFA?

The risks from phishing attacks and account takeovers are on the rise and pose a real risk to your privacy and the security of our business. On their own, usernames and passwords don’t always provide sufficient protection against these types of threats. MFA limits the threat by requiring people to supplement their passwords with an additional verification method that confirms they’re who they say they are. To learn what MFA is and how it works, check out this short video.

The benefits of MFA (and what’s in it for you)

• Adds an additional layer of security to your Salesforce account that helps prevent bad actors from getting access.
• Protects access to sensitive data and critical systems.
• Reduces the likelihood that you’ll be the next victim of an attack.

FAQ

• Which third party apps can I use for Salesforce Authentication?

We recommend using Google Authenticator, but you could also use Microsoft Authenticator or Authy.

• How does this affect me if I am logging in via PortalGuard?

It does not. If you are logging in via PortalGuard, you do not have to use MFA for Salesforce because you are already protected.

• Do I have to use MFA when logging into my Salesforce mobile app?

Yes. It will work the same way that it would on your desktop (when logging in directly).

• How will this affect the student’s experience of logging in to our Salesforce Communities (TCGS Portals, Community and Atlas)?

MFA will have no effect on the student experience using Salesforce. External licenses will not be required to use MFA to log in.

• Do I have to use MFA when logging in to Sandbox?

No. Salesforce is not requiring MFA for Sandbox.