Regional Rollout of One-Time Passcode via Email for All Autodesk Customers Begins April 2, 2025
We are committed to ensuring the security of Autodesk customer accounts. As part of this commitment, we will implement a one-time passcode (OTP) verification via email for all Autodesk customers starting April 2, 2025. Using OTP is a form of multi-factor authentication (MFA) that provides extra security for your Autodesk accounts and deters unauthorized access.
What to Expect: Starting April 2, we will begin our rollout of the enhanced email OTP workflow. This rollout will be conducted gradually, region by region. Once we enable this feature in your region and unless you otherwise have SSO or MFA enabled, you will need to use it as part of the verification process to access Autodesk products. Upon entering your username and password, you will receive an OTP via email, which you must provide to complete the verification process.
Key Details:
- Rollout Period: Starting April 2, 2025, we will gradually roll out the feature across accounts on a region-by-region basis. Stay tuned for the specific rollout schedule for your region.
- No Change for Existing MFA or SSO Users: If you are already using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or have Single Sign-On (SSO) enabled, you will not experience any changes.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to maintaining the security of your Autodesk accounts.
Additional Information
Why use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? Security threats are increasing and becoming more sophisticated, making robust protection more critical than ever. As companies in the make and design industries, including Autodesk, rely more on digital infrastructure, protecting sensitive data and maintaining system integrity becomes paramount. Enforcing MFA is an effective way to enhance security.
Email OTP verification Email OTP verification is one of the many strategies used in MFA. With this method, after you enter your password, we send an OTP to your registered email address. You must enter this OTP to complete the login process. This adds an additional layer of security because even if someone knows your password, they would also need access to your email account to obtain the OTP.
What’s in it for me? Here’s why we at Autodesk are enabling email OTP, as a form of MFA, and why this will benefit you, as a customer:
- Enhanced security We are enforcing MFA to bolster security. Traditional single-factor authentication, typically a username and password, is no longer sufficient to protect against modern cyber threats. MFA requires you to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to accounts or system. These factors include something you know (password), something you have (a smartphone or hardware token), and something you are (biometric verification). This multi-layered approach significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if one factor is compromised.
- Protection against intellectual property theft Phishing attacks, data breaches, and other forms of credential theft are common threats that can lead to unauthorized access. In the make and design industries, the theft of intellectual property can have severe consequences. MFA provides an additional layer of security, making it much harder for attackers to gain access to accounts, even if they manage to steal passwords. By enforcing MFA, we can mitigate the risk of credential-based attacks and better protect your valuable designs and innovations.
- Compliance with industry standards Many industries must implement strong security measures, such as MFA, due to regulatory requirements. By enforcing MFA, Autodesk ensures compliance with best security practices and regulatory guidelines.
- Increased client trust Clients in the make and design industries are increasingly aware of security risks and are prioritizing their digital safety. By implementing MFA, Autodesk demonstrates its commitment to protecting client data, which enhances trust and loyalty.
- Mitigation of account takeovers Account takeovers can have severe consequences, including financial loss, data breaches, and reputational damage. MFA provides an effective defense against these attacks by requiring multiple forms of verification. Even if an attacker obtains your password, they still need the additional authentication factors to gain access. This significantly reduces the likelihood of account takeovers and unauthorized access to confidential data.
- Adaptability to emerging threats MFA is a dynamic and flexible solution that we can update and strengthen as new threats emerge. Autodesk can implement various MFA methods, such as email-based verification, mobile authenticator apps, or biometric authentication, to stay resilient against evolving attack vectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
A: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires you to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to accounts or system. These factors typically include something you know (password), something you have (a smartphone or hardware token), and something you are (biometric verification).
Q: Why is MFA important for customers in the make and design industries?
A: MFA is crucial for protecting confidential data and intellectual property in the make and design industries. It provides an additional layer of security, reduces risk of unauthorized access and mitigates the impact of credential theft.
Q: How does MFA help in complying with industry standards?
A: MFA helps Autodesk and customers comply with industry regulations and standards that mandate strong data protection practices.
Q: What are some common methods of implementing MFA?
A: Common methods of implementing MFA include email-based verification, mobile authenticator apps, hardware tokens, and biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition).
Q: How does MFA protect against phishing attacks?
A: MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification. Even if you fall victim to a phishing attack and your password is compromised, the attacker would still need the additional authentication factors to gain access, making it much harder to succeed.
Q: What are some best practices for implementing MFA?
A: Best practices for implementing MFA include:
- Using a combination of verification factors: Ensure you use something you know (password), something you have (hardware token or smartphone), and something you are (biometric verification).
- Regularly updating authentication methods: Keep your authentication methods up-to-date to counteract emerging threats.
- Educating users about security practices: Inform users about the importance of MFA and how to use it effectively.
- Monitoring for suspicious activity: Continuously monitor account activity for any unusual or suspicious behavior.
- Enforcing strong password policies: Ensure users create strong, unique passwords that are changed regularly.
- Implementing single sign-on (SSO) with MFA: Simplify the user experience while maintaining security by integrating MFA with SSO solutions.
- Providing backup authentication methods: Offer alternative authentication options in case the primary method is unavailable.
- Regularly reviewing and auditing MFA policies: Conduct periodic reviews to ensure MFA policies are effective and up-to-date.
- Encouraging the use of hardware tokens: Hardware tokens can provide a more secure form of MFA compared to software-based solutions.
- Ensuring secure storage of recovery codes: Advise users to store recovery codes in a secure location, separate from their devices.
