Urgent Security Update: Re-Enroll Your 2FA Security Key Now to Prevent Account Lockout
In a critical move to bolster account security and align with the latest industry-wide authentication standards, an important update is being rolled out. All users who rely on physical security keys for two-factor authentication (2FA) are now required to re-enroll their devices.
This is a mandatory action that must be completed to ensure uninterrupted access to your account. The deadline to complete this process is November 10th. Failure to re-enroll your security key by this date will result in it no longer being recognized by our systems, leading to a potential account lockout.
Why Is This Update Necessary?
This proactive measure is part of a significant upgrade to our authentication infrastructure. By strengthening the underlying cryptographic standards used to verify your hardware key, we are enhancing the resilience of your account against sophisticated cyber threats. This update ensures your security key benefits from the most robust and modern security protocols available, safeguarding your digital identity for the long term.
This is not a response to a security breach, but rather a preventative upgrade designed to keep your account secure well into the future.
Who Needs to Take Action?
This requirement applies specifically to users who have registered a physical, hardware-based security key for 2FA. These are often USB devices that require a physical touch or tap to approve a login.
You must take action if you use:
- A FIDO2 or U2F hardware security key.
- Popular keys such as YubiKey, Google Titan Security Key, or Thetis FIDO Key.
You are not affected by this change if you exclusively use other 2FA methods, such as:
- Authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator)
- SMS text message codes
- Email verification codes
How to Re-Enroll Your Security Key: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete. To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend having a backup authentication method temporarily enabled, just in case.
- Log In to Your Account: Sign in using your current username, password, and existing security key as you normally would.
- Navigate to Your Security Settings: This section is typically found under “Account,” “Profile,” or a dedicated “Security” tab in your account dashboard.
- Remove Your Existing Security Key: In the two-factor authentication settings, you will see your currently registered hardware key(s). Click the option to ‘Remove,’ ‘Delete,’ or ‘De-register’ each key. You will be asked to confirm this action.
- Re-Add Your Security Key: Once the old registration is removed, click the button to ‘Add Security Key’ or ‘Register New Key.’ The system will then prompt you to insert your key and tap the button on the device to complete the new registration.
- Verify and Confirm: Follow any final on-screen prompts to confirm the key has been successfully re-enrolled. You may be asked to give the key a name (e.g., “My YubiKey”).
We strongly recommend performing this process on a trusted desktop or laptop computer for the most reliable experience.
What Happens If You Miss the November 10th Deadline?
If you do not re-enroll your security key by the deadline, your key will no longer be able to authenticate your login. When you attempt to sign in, the system will not recognize the device, effectively preventing you from accessing your account.
You will be forced to use an alternative account recovery method, which can be a time-consuming process and may require identity verification. To avoid this disruption, please take action immediately.
Best Practices for Your Account Security
While completing this update, take a moment to review your overall security posture:
- Register a Backup Key: If you have a second security key, register it as a backup. This provides a crucial fallback if your primary key is lost or damaged.
- Review Recovery Codes: Ensure you have your one-time recovery codes saved in a secure location, such as a password manager or a physical safe. These are your last line of defense if all other 2FA methods fail.
- Use a Strong, Unique Password: Your password remains the first layer of security. Ensure it is complex and not reused across other services.
Protecting your digital life is a shared responsibility. Take a few minutes today to re-enroll your security key and ensure your account remains secure and accessible.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/x-re-enroll-2fa-security-keys-by-november-10-or-get-locked-out/
