EMFA

Help Center - Online Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Enhanced Multifactor Authentication?

Why the change to your log-in process?

What information will be required?

How will I receive the one time passcode or challenge questions?

When will I know that Enhanced Multifactor Authentication is set for my accounts?

What about Mobile Banking or Mobile App?

Can I access my accounts from other computers such as my home, my office or on the road?

Will I have to do these steps with all my South Carolina Federal accounts?

Is there a limit to the number of security phones I can have on my account?

Does the upgrade require a different Internet Explorer version?

I am out of the country and want to check Online Banking. Can I validate my account using EMFA?

Why am I asked to authenticate when making a transfer?



What is Enhanced Multifactor Authentication?

Enhanced Multifactor Authentication (EMFA) is a new way of authenticating a person's identity when logging into Online Banking. EMFA means two different types of authentication must be passed—your password and a Onetime Use Passcode (OTP). By using two different factors of authentication, we get a higher assurance that you are the correct intended user.

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Why the change to your log-in process?

To meet the suggested guidance of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council and to further protect your Online Banking experience.

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What information will be required?

You will be prompted for your username and password, as usual. In addition you will be required to provide information that enables us to send you a One-Time Use Passcode (OTP). You will need to have a phone on hand. We recommend that you enroll your personal mobile phone. Enrolling a phone number that is shared with others is not recommended.

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How will I receive the one time passcode or challenge questions?

If you're using Online Banking via a desktop, you'll receive it either by text or voice call. If you're using Online Banking via the mobile app, web-based app, or mobile banking site, you'll be prompted to answer challenge questions.

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When will I know that Enhanced Multifactor Authentication is set for my accounts?

You will be prompted to sign up when you log into Online Banking. Follow the instructions to enroll your computer by providing the information requested.

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What about Mobile Banking or Mobile App?

Mobile Banking and Mobile App will continue to use challenge questions to confirm your identity.

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Can I access my accounts from other computers such as my home, my office or on the road?

Yes, you can access your accounts from any computer.

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Will I have to do these steps with all my South Carolina Federal accounts?

Yes, each separate login requires you to go through the enhancement process.

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Is there a limit to the number of security phones I can have on my account?

You may have up to five security phones on your account.

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Does the upgrade require a different Internet Explorer version?

Yes. Your Online Banking pages are supported by most modern browsers. In order to ensure the best possible experience, please be sure you are using the most up to date versions of the browsers listed below. Your browser will need both Javascript and cookies enabled to access and operate within the site.

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 9
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 10

If you are not using one of the supported browsers listed above, you may encounter issues within your Online Banking experience. We recommend switching to one of the supported browsers listed above in order to ensure you have an optimal Online Banking experience.

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I am out of the country and want to check Online Banking. Can I validate my account using EMFA?

Yes—please follow that country's rule for how to enter your phone number and ensure that your phone is supported in that country.

  1. For Guam/Puerto Rico use: +1 and the phone number
  2. For all other countries use: + and the international phone number

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Why am I asked to authenticate when making a transfer?

You may be asked to provide additional information such as answers to challenge questions when making transfers. This is a security measure to ensure that you are authorizing the transfer.

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