- ARIN has locked accounts without multifactor authentication (MFA) following a prolonged inactivity period.
- Users must contact ARIN’s Help Desk to unlock their accounts and set up MFA.
What happened: ARIN strengthens security by locking inactive accounts
The American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) has enforced a security measure locking ARIN Online accounts that lack multifactor authentication (MFA) and have been inactive for a prolonged period. This step, effective from October 7, 2024, aims to safeguard user accounts and the integrity of ARIN’s services.
The decision follows ARIN’s earlier announcement of the MFA requirement, with a final reminder issued on September 9, 2024. Lisa Liedel, ARIN’s Director of Registration Services, explained in a blog post on December 18, 2024, that these measures are part of ARIN’s broader efforts to enhance account security and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
To regain access to locked accounts, users must contact ARIN’s Registration Services Help Desk for assistance. Once unlocked, users are required to set up MFA to meet ARIN’s updated security standards.
Also read: What are the 3 factors of multi-factor authentication?
Also read: Is multi-factor authentication effective?
Why it is important
ARIN’s implementation of multifactor authentication reflects an industry-wide trend toward enhancing digital security measures. MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access by requiring an additional layer of verification beyond a username and password.
By locking accounts without MFA, ARIN is taking proactive steps to protect user data and maintain the security of its platform. These efforts also ensure compliance with best practices in cybersecurity.
Lisa Liedel commented, “Ensuring the security of our user accounts is paramount. Multifactor authentication is an essential tool in protecting against modern security threats.”
Users are strongly encouraged to enable MFA to safeguard their accounts and prevent potential risks, such as unauthorized changes to critical internet resources. ARIN’s commitment to security underscores its dedication to serving the internet community with robust and reliable systems.
