Keeping your personal information, financial aid records, and academic progress safe is a top priority at Austin Community College District (ACC). To help protect your student account against growing cyber threats, ACC is launching Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all students starting September 28.

Here is everything you need to know about what MFA is, why it matters, and how to get set up smoothly.

What is MFA and Why Are We Adding It?

Multi-Factor Authentication adds a quick extra step when you log into ACC systems. Instead of relying solely on your password, MFA asks for a second verification method to confirm that it is truly you signing in.

“Most digital break-ins happen when passwords are stolen through phishing scams. MFA acts as an extra shield of protection—even if a hacker gets hold of your password, they still won’t be able to log in without that second verification step,” says Sandra Germenis, ACC Associate Vice Chancellor of IT Shared Services. 

National data shows that MFA blocks more than 99.2% of account compromise attacks.

This extra step directly protects:

  • Your Personal Data: Your financial aid awards, banking details, class schedules, and grades.
  • Campus Resources: Essential tools like Blackboard, Zoom, ACCmail, and registration portals, while reducing the risk of financial aid fraud across the college.

How It Works

When accessing any ACC platform that uses your ACCeID—such as ACCmail, Zoom, or Blackboard—you will log in with your standard password as usual. Then, you will complete a quick check on your device, such as approving a push notification or entering a short security code.

What You Need to Do

You can get your account set up early. Before September 28, check out the guides on our website and opt in early. 

Then, starting September 28, make sure you have set up your device. The first time you log in to an ACC system on or after September 28, you’ll be prompted to register a verification method. You can choose whichever option works best for you. Here are some of our recommended options:

  • Okta Verify App: Approve login attempts with a single tap on your smartphone.
  • Authenticator Apps (TOTP): Use apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator to generate temporary passcodes.
  • Built-in Device Security: Use built-in biometric features like Touch ID, or Face ID.

Once set up, just keep your verification device nearby when logging in to quickly approve access to your student portals.

Don’t Have Consistent Access to a Smartphone?

ACC is committed to making sure every student can access their classes without interruption. If you don’t have a personal smartphone or reliable mobile device, don’t worry—the College is working on alternative verification solutions so your access remains smooth and uninterrupted. 

Further instructions and support options will be posted on the MFA resource page, visit austincc.edu/ITsafety.