Unauthorized access to email accounts is a major risk for both Eckerd College and for all faculty, staff, and students. Since access to Gmail is available anywhere in the world it is a major target for hackers. In order to better protect this resource, Eckerd College requires 2-Step Verification for all employees and students.
With 2-Step Verification you will protect your account with something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone number or a Security Key). Once you have been authenticated successfully, the system can remember your device for 30 days and you won’t be asked to perform both steps. For most people, the easiest way to use 2-Step Verification is via a text message or Google prompt to your cell phone. Employees can contact ITS to get a USB security key as an alternative method. You may want to have one of these if you regularly travel to locations that have unreliable cellular service. Note, the USB security key is currently only supported with the Chrome internet browser.
In Gmail, click on your avatar on the top-right corner of the screen. Click on Manage your Google Account.
Click Security on the left.
Scroll down to the How You Sign in to Google tab, and click on 2-Step Verification.
Assuming your 2-Step Verification is off, click the arrow. Follow the instructions to complete setting up 2-Step Verification.
You will have the ability to configure more than one verification option--depending on your needs (text message, Google prompt, USB security key, etc).
Reminder: 2-Step Verification is required for all current Faculty and Staff accounts, however it is not once an employee retires.