# Google Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Beginning **March 15th 2024**, Upper Lake Unified School District will begin enforcing “two-factor authentication” on all ULUSD employee Google accounts. You may know it by other names like “2FA”, “two-step verification”, or “multi-factor authentication (MFA)”.

##### **What is two-factor authentication?**

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection during the login process. Currently, your Google login is tied to “something you know” (your password). Two-factor authentication adds the second layer of “something you have” (typically your smartphone or a temporary code). You most likely already have experienced using two-factor authentication with an online banking account, so enabling it within Google hopefully will not be a new experience.

##### **Why are we implementing two-factor authentication?**

Our cyber insurance provider's requirements for our organization are driven by an ongoing review of what security-related best practices are appropriate. Times are changing and hackers are finding new and creative ways to acquire user passwords. Adding a second form of verification dramatically decreases the likelihood of your password being compromised.

##### **How often will I need to use two-factor authentication?**

Google will require two-factor authentication every time you log in to a computer or Chromebook, but you'll have the option to "remember this device". From that point on, Google will not prompt you to perform two-factor authentication on that device unless you clear your browser’s cache, change your password, or if Google suspects that your account has been breached.

##### **What’s the timeline for this change?**

We will be migrating all ULUSD staff by March 15th 2024. You will soon receive an email with instructions on how to enable Google 2-Factor Authentication. **If you do not enable two-factor authentication by the date listed you will be locked out of your account and you will need to contact ULUSD IT to regain access.** You will be reminded to enable two-factor authentication during the grace period leading up to the end date listed in the email. An example notification message will look like this:

[![image.png](https://bookstack.ulusd.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/eeIRBtuSCEw6IYQ0-image.png)](https://bookstack.ulusd.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/eeIRBtuSCEw6IYQ0-image.png)