Soon, Georgia Tech employees will be asked to verify their identity online by entering the last five digits of their Social Security number when accessing all features of the employee self-service area of TechWorks. These features include payroll, tax, and compensation and benefits information.

 This “Verify Identity” component has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of Georgia Tech Human Resources and the Office of Information Technology (OIT), as part of Tech’s commitment to securing online data.

 “This additional verification process for Tech employees is a short-term one to help ensure it’s really you who wants to view your information,” said Herb Baines, OIT’s chief information security officer and deputy chief information officer. “Georgia Tech takes its data security very seriously, and we hope this extra layer of protection provides employees with the assurance they need that their personal information is safe.”

While extra precautions are being taken now to secure personal information accessed through TechWorks, Georgia Tech’s cyber security strategy will ultimately include adding a long-term two-factor authentication to the login process. Two-factor authentication is already being implemented in some campus departments and will be deployed throughout the entire campus community starting in 2016. The service is currently available as an opt-in selection for all Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff.

 For the interim verification process, employees such as foreign nationals who do not have a permanent Social Security number will be required to enter their birthdate until they receive their permanent Social Security number. Once a permanent Social Security number is issued, these employees may access their information via TechWorks using the new interim verification process.

 For questions or additional information, contact Georgia Tech Human Resources at: hr.ask@ohr.gatech.edu.

 For more information on implementing two-factor authentication in your department, contact OIT at: support@oit.gatech.edu.