The threats to cybersecurity increase continuously, affecting all systems managing data and information that might be interesting for intruders. The Funding & Tenders (F&T) Portal hosts a wealth of interesting information that might be under threat if users do not take the necessary measures.

Therefore the European Commission decided in Q4-2022 to increase the security and stimulate users to switch to using two-factor authentication (instead of the simple user name – password). A log-in as user is required in the F&T portal when you want to register as an organisation or to enter into the management of your proposal/project. 

This switch to two-factor authentication requires limited effort. You have to register a mobile device, app or USB security key and activate the two-factor authentication. At each login, you will then be prompted for your usual password and for a second factor that is sent to your phone, app or you'll have to enter your USB key. A short video guides you through the installation. There also is an FAQ page available.

Currently two-factor authorisation is used by less than 1% of the users, but it is a priority for the EC to increase the usage level. On a practical note: if you are planning on switching to a new phone in the near future (e.g. before summer), we would advise you to wait until then to activate the 2 factor authentication. In any other case, there is no reason to postpone the activation of the extra verification step. 

This is a revised version of a news item that was originally published on 2022-11-17.