Frequently Asked Questions

Multifactor Authentication

Q. What is MFA and do I have to use it?
A. Multifactor Authentication is a method of adding security to online transactions by using multiple items to confirm the validity of the site. That means that the government says it is no longer enough to have an ID and password. Now we have to have at least one more item (picture, passphrase, etc.) to prove that you have the rights to this information and at the same time confirming you are not on a bogus website. You may not opt out of this service.

Q. How do I change my picture, passphrase, or challenge questions after I have already completed the MFA setup?
A.
After completing a good log in, click on the menu option called “Preferences” on the left of the screen. Then option called “Security Questions” can help you choose a new picture, change your passphrase, or change challenge questions.

Q.
What if the picture I see isn’t the one I chose?

A. If the picture and phrase are not correct, do not enter any more information. Confirm that you are on the correct website and contact the credit union immediately.

Q. What do I do if I am locked out?
A. You will need to contact the credit union to unlock your account. In most cases, this can be avoided by setting up a challenge question to allow you access to your account and unlock it yourself. This is only possible if you have previously been through the following steps.

Choose “Preferences” from the menu on the left side of the screen. Choose the option called “Password Reset”. Pick a challenge question and answer it. Save the answers, and the next time you are locked out, click on the link on the log in page that says “Forgot password” (in yellow). You will be prompted to answer your question. If answered correctly, you will gain access to your account where you can use the “Change Password” option under “Preferences” to reset your password without having to contact the credit union.

Q. What if I answer the challenge question correctly, but it says it is incorrect?
A. The system does not recognize the ID as a registered MFA ID. Try again to make sure your ID was entered correctly. If the problem persists, contact the credit union.

Q. What if the question being asked is not a question I chose when I enrolled in MFA?
A. The system either does not recognize your ID as having been enrolled or it is not Heart of Louisiana Federal Credit Union’s site. Go back to the log in page and try again. If it still asks a question you did not choose, stop and contact the credit union.

Q. Can I register more than one computer for MFA?
A. Yes. Each computer you use needs to be registered as public or personal. If you like to use PCU at home and at work, you will want to register both as “personal”. Do the setup on one computer and the next pc you use to get to PCU will ask for your password and registration option. Choosing “personal” saves a cookie on the pc so it is recognized the next time you log in.

Q. Do I want to register it as public or private?
A. Registering your computer determines whether or not information is saved to that computer. Choosing “personal” will save a cookie to the pc so it will be recognized upon next log in.

Choosing “public” will not save a cookie to the pc. This is useful for a public machine that you use to check your account, but will probably never be at that computer again. You will be asked extra information to log in each time if you choose “public”.

Q. When I put in my ID and password, it takes me back to the log in page. What do I do?
A. This is typically a browser setting that is blocking cookies. You can test this by lowering your security settings on your browser. (instructions for checking settings)

Q. What if I can’t remember the answer to the question I set up?
A. Each time you log in, you will be asked one of the three challenge questions you initially set up. If you don’t remember the answer to the current question, go back to the log in page and try again. The question will be different from the previous one, so chances are you will know the answer.

If you don’t remember any of the questions or answers, contact the credit union.

Q. When I log in, I am asked a question I did not set up. What do I do?
A. This is usually a result of the internet browser not accepting cookies. If the log in process is returning you to the same page, or asking random questions, you may need to check your security settings. (instructions for checking settings)

Q. Is the passphrase different from my password?
A. Yes. The passphrase is just part of the added security to make sure someone hasn't created a false website for you to enter. Never make the passphrase and password the same. The passphrase is visible, but the password is not. It is a good bet that anyone trying to guess your password will try the passphrase if they have ever seen it.