Dear Colleague,
So that we can keep your learner and centre data secure, from May 2023 we are introducing additional security to our Edexcel Online site, using Multi-factor authentication (MFA). This is the next step in a sequence of additional security measures we’re introducing for all centres that use our Secure Download Service in order to protect you, your centre and your learners’ data.
What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication is a multi-step account login process, common in most consumer-grade experiences. In the same way you experience this in your everyday life when paying for goods or using banking services, we will require you to enter more information than just your Edexcel Online password.
Why are we doing this?
At Pearson, we are serious about keeping the data you provide to us secure. This includes the data about you and your learners, such as achievements and personal information. We also have a responsibility to keep assessments secure, which protects the integrity of our qualifications. Passwords currently can be used to access both of these types of data and material.
The pandemic and widespread adoption of home-schooling means schools and colleges have become even more reliant on IT-related services for both administrative and learning functions.
Cyber attacks and security breaches are very much a reality for schools and colleges and
recent research by London Grid for Learning (LGfL) in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), published in January 2023, reported that 74% of schools enable 2-step verification (2SV) for their most important accounts and 78% of schools and 88% of FE colleges said they had experienced at least one of the types of cyber security incident mentioned in the audit which means the threat is still out there.
Introducing multi-factor authentication to Edexcel Online means that we can be confident that learner data and assessment material is kept securely.
Why are we doing this right now?
We recognise this is a very busy time of year for centres and Exams Officers, but want to ensure we protect this summer’s exam papers, the integrity of our qualifications and assessments and the exam system, as well as centre and learner data. Whilst we know the introduction of MFA will have an impact on centres, and Exams Officers in particular, it is important that we introduce this additional security measure before the summer exams actually begin.
For further information on the MFA process please read our support guide
Accessing Pearson Services Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
When do I have to start using multi-factor authentication?
We are rolling out multi-factor authentication to centres over two days - 4 and 5 May. This means not all users will be asked to use the MFA process on their very next login to Edexcel Online, but it will be a requirement once this is rolled out for your centre.
As part of this we’ve created a new login page and a new Pearson Application Portal where you’ll find all the apps that you have access to, in one place. This includes Edexcel Online and other apps such as ResultsPlus and ExamWizard.
You can access the new login page via the usual Edexcel Online link, and you’ll be re-directed to the new login page. The new login page is now live, please see further details below.
