--- title: Everything You Need to Know About Multi-Factor Authentication  | AllSouth Federal Credit Union description: Multi-factor authentication is an added security feature that 'authenticates' a user, proving to the service being used that you are who you say you are. MFA improves your security by verifying your identity with a combination of factors, keeping your accounts safe and secure. image: https://blog.allsouth.org/hubfs/iStock-1390481905.jpg --- - [Locations](https://www.allsouth.org/locations/) - [Open an Account](https://www.allsouth.org/open-new-account/) - Routing # 253279031 - [Log in](https://secure.allsouth.org/allsouthonlinebanking/uux.aspx#/login) [![AllSouth Federal Credit Union](https://blog.allsouth.org/hubfs/Allsouth_August2025/images/allsouthfcu-logo.svg "AllSouth Federal Credit Union")](https://www.allsouth.org/) - [Bank](https://www.allsouth.org/bank/) - [Checking](https://www.allsouth.org/bank/checking/) - [Savings](https://www.allsouth.org/bank/savings/) - [Business](https://www.allsouth.org/bank/business/) - [Online and Mobile Banking](https://www.allsouth.org/bank/online-and-mobile-banking/) - [Debit Card](https://www.allsouth.org/cards/debit-card/) - [Zelle®](https://www.allsouth.org/bank/zelle/) - [Rates](https://www.allsouth.org/rates/) - 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[Locations](https://www.allsouth.org/locations/) - [Open an Account](https://www.allsouth.org/open-new-account/) - Routing # 253279031 ![](https://blog.allsouth.org/hubfs/iStock-1390481905.jpg) # Everything You Need to Know About Multi-Factor Authentication  Published by [AllSouth Federal Credit Union](https://blog.allsouth.org/author/allsouth-federal-credit-union) on March 4, 2020 at 12:00 AM So what exactly is multi-factor authentication, also referred to as MFA? MFA is an added security feature that 'authenticates' a user, proving to the service being used that you are who you say you are. Using multiple factors to verify who you are, MFA enhances the security of a site that typically holds sensitive information - such as our Online or Mobile Banking. MFA improves your security by verifying your identity with a combination of factors, keeping your accounts safe and secure.   Combinations of 'factors' make up multi-factor authentication. A factor is a way to confirm your identity when you try to sign in to a specific website. There are three common types of factors:  - Something you know - like a password or PIN.  - Something you have - like your cellphone or other devices. - Something you are - (biometrics) like fingerprint or facial recognition. #### How it works. When you register or log in to a system or website and use your username and password, you may be prompted to receive a text message or a phone call with a confirmation code. In other cases, you may be prompted to answer a security question. Once you enter a confirmation code or answer your security question and it's accepted, you've been verified. It's that easy!   #### How it impacts you.  MFA helps protect you by giving you that extra security layer, making it harder for crooks to log in as you. For a would-be thief to log in, they would need to have more than your username and password. These additional layers help ensure your accounts and personal information stay protected. *Plus, help keep your account secure by never sharing your information or your MFA information or codes.*   Keeping your information secure online takes [more than just strong passwords](https://blog.allsouth.org/blogpost/keeping-online-and-mobile-banking-secure). By adding a second layer of defense like multi-factor, you can keep your accounts more secure. Good news! AllSouth's [Online and Mobile Banking](https://www.allsouth.org/online-mobile-banking/online-banking) already has this security built in for you. It's just one way we help keep your information secure.     Tags: [Security](https://blog.allsouth.org/tag/security) [Back to Blog](https://blog.allsouth.org) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Related Articles ## [Positive and Personable, AllSouth AllStar, Jane](https://blog.allsouth.org/positive-and-personable-allsouth-allstar-jane) Jane helps to find, hire, and introduce our new team members to AllSouth, shaping the credit union... [Read More](https://blog.allsouth.org/positive-and-personable-allsouth-allstar-jane) ## [Authentic and Approachable, AllSouth AllStar, Robby](https://blog.allsouth.org/authentic-approachable-allstar-robby) Approachable, genuine, and authentic, Robby has been our Garners Ferry branch manager since 2009.... 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