What is MFA, and why use it?

 Multi-Factor Authentication is available as a security feature on an increasing number of digital apps and tools which store or process your Data.

 Your school should have completed a Data Protection Impact Assessment for the applications and tools you use in school, as part of this process, your DPIA will identify the additional safeguarding steps that can be taken to enhance the security of an application. MFA is one of those additional steps.

 Initially, accounts will need to be set up and verified, which is usually through the email address used to sign up.

 Multi-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security when logging in. When accessing the account from a new device, you will be prompted to enter a code. This may be from an authenticator app or from a message sent to an email or phone.

 MFA should be applied to all applications that schools use where this option is available, and where it is not, schools should assess if the application or tool is needed.

What apps should MFA already be on?

 Commonly used applications 

 Hwb- Schools that work through the Hwb platform will already have MFA to access their Hwb accounts from outside their School's Domain.

 SIMS- Schools using include SIMS as your school's MIS (Management Information Software), where MFA needs to be turned on by your school.

 CPOMS- Your school may be using CPOMS as your safeguarding software. This application also has MFA, which should be turned on.

 Additional Applications you may be using:

 Seesaw- Many schools make use of Seesaw as a digital portfolio tool; there is both a free version and a paid version. Both of these have the option to apply MFA. In the Free version, individual teachers must turn this on, and in the paid version, this can be done by the school admin.

 ClassDojo- Many schools make use of ClassDojo as a digital portfolio tool. There is both a free version and a paid version. Both of these have the option to apply MFA. In the Free version, individual teachers must turn this on, and in the paid version, this can be done by the school admin.