EAL multi-factor authentication for system and applications

To enhance our security protocols, EAL has introduced multi-factor authentication (MFA) to its systems and applications.  This extra layer of security means a higher level of protection for our systems – and for the data of you and your customers.

Multi-factor authentication is a security method that requires users to verify their identity using two or more different types of credentials. Adding MFA to our security protocols allows us to protect our centres, staff, and learners against a variety of online threats, by ensuring users are who they claim to be. It also ensures our compliance with NCSC standards, Cyber Essentials, and GDPR requirements.

The changes affect staff at centres using any EAL system or application including:

• Certify
• EAL Connect
• EAL Surpass
• EAL Online Services.

The new feature won’t affect learners.

All centre users will be prompted to set up or verify their identity using the MFA security feature, when accessing any EAL system or application for the first time since MFA activation.

To set up MFA and store your authentication code, you need to download an approved authenticator:

• Okta Verify
• Microsoft Authenticator App
• Google Authenticator App.

For more information on the process, please refer to our guidance document, which you can also find on EAL Connect.

Important: If your centre, or anyone at your centre, is unable to use any of the authentication methods outlined in this guidance, please submit a ticket to our Customer Experience team via the chat on EAL Connect.

Alternatively, please contact the Customer Experience Team via email or call 01923 652400. They will assist you with your query.

Subject to approval - where restrictions or unique circumstances prevent the use of the MFA methods listed, users may be eligible to receive their authentication code via SMS or email.