Multi-Factor Your Google Account

🔐 What Is MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection to your District account. It requires two steps to sign in:
1️⃣ your password, and
2️⃣ a quick verification (like a prompt on your phone).

Once you “trust” your work computer, you won’t need to verify every time—just occasionally.

🛡️ Why It Matters

VUSD has been targeted by phishing and hacking attempts aimed at stealing staff passwords. In some cases, attackers have even impersonated employees. MFA helps stop this by ensuring only you can access your account, even if someone else knows your password.

✅ Before You Start

Have your smartphone ready.
Set aside about 5 minutes.
The setup is quick — and once it's done, your account will be much more secure.

Alternative Verification Option

Your cell phone provides the fastest and most secure way to verify your district Google account.

If you choose not to use a phone, you’ll need to set up Backup Codes to keep your account protected.

Click here for instructions on generating and printing your security codes.

⚡ Quick Summary⚡

Turn on: Google Account → Security → 2-Step Verification
Recommended: Google Prompts
Add backups: Authenticator app + Backup Codes
Keep recovery info current and devices trusted only on work computers

💬 Pro Tip: MFA adds a few seconds at sign-in, but it blocks the vast majority of account takeovers. Totally worth it.

Video Walkthrough with Andrew Hyland

Andrew walks you through the simple steps to secure your Google account using multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Prefer to follow along on your own? Skip the video and jump straight to the step-by-step guide below.

Step By Step Guide

🧭 Step 1: Open Security Settings

Go to Google Account (click your profile photo → Manage your Google Account)

In the left menu, choose Security

Under How you sign in to Google, click 2-Step Verification → Get started

💬 Pro Tip: If you see that 2-Step Verification is already on, review your second steps and add backups (below).

📲 Step 2: Choose Your Second Step (Recommended → Google Prompts)

Best choice for most staff: Google Prompts

You’ll get a push notification on your phone: “Are you trying to sign in?”

Tap Yes to approve, No to block.

Works on:

Android phones signed in to your district account

iPhone with Gmail, Google, YouTube, or Google Photos signed in to your district account

🛠️ Step 3: Fine-Tune Your MFA

Trusted devices: Check Don’t ask again on this device on your work computer only.

Recovery info: Keep your recovery phone/email up to date in Security → Ways we can verify it’s you.

🔁 Other Second-Step Options (Add at least one backup)

📱 Text

Add a phone number for SMS or voice codes
Useful as a fallback if your phone apps aren’t available

🧾 Backup Codes

In 2-Step Verification → Backup codes → Get codes
Download/print and store securely (wallet or locked drawer)
Each code can be used once—generate a new set when low
To learn more about Backup Codes Click Here

💬 Pro Tip: Aim for two second steps + backup codes. Example: Prompts + Text + Backup Codes.

🚨 If You Get a Suspicious Prompt 🚨

Tap No, it’s not me

Immediately change your password

Notify the Technology Department

🔐 A reminder: Do not turn off your Google 2-Step Verification 🔐

⚠️ Turning off Google 2-Step Verification places your account—and district data—at significant risk.
🚨Please be aware that disabling 2FA may result in your district Google account being automatically suspended by our security systems to protect student information, email access, and internal resources.
🚫 For your safety and to maintain access, do not turn off 2-Step Verification after it has been enabled.