The Coast Guard will implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Direct Access (DA) on Mar. 17 to improve DA’s overall cybersecurity posture.
This will change how you log into DA in the following ways:
- Coast Guard members with Common Access Cards (CAC) will now use CAC credentials and follow the prompts to access DA.
- Non-CAC users (retirees, annuitants, beneficiaries, and CAC users who work for other government agencies and don’t have a CGOne Network Account) will be required to perform a one-time password reset once MFA has been implemented on Mar. 17. At a later date, you will be required to log in using one-time passcodes (OTP) validated through a mobile phone authenticator application, phone call or text (SMS) message. Information will be posted on the DA login screen when this feature becomes available.
Attention Non-CAC Users: The Coast Guard is sending you guidance with pre-generated passwords via email addresses on file within DA. But the Pay and Personnel Center (PPC) estimates that there are more than 25,000 retirees and annuitants that have not saved email contact information or security questions and will not receive this guidance. If you are a non-CAC user in receipt of this article, you are encouraged to log into DA now to ensure your contact information is current. In addition, with tax filing season coming up, it’s worth downloading tax forms as soon as possible. System-wide password resets could cause delays in receiving help desk assistance after Mar. 17.
On Mar. 17, a notice with brief instructions on how to obtain a pre-generated password and perform a password reset will be located on the DA homepage for those who have not received an email. But please be aware that you will need manual assistance to reset your password, which will put you in a in line with all the DA users in a similar position.
Please note, all technical issues with DA (such as password resets) will now be completed by Product Support Service Desk. They can be contacted at 800-821-7081, Monday – Friday (6:30AM-6:30PM, EST). All other requests will continue to be handled by the PPC Customer Care Help Desk who can reached via email at PPC-DG-CustomerCare@uscg.mil or by phone at 866-772-8724.
Additional Security: As an added layer of security, you will receive email notifications any time your bank account information changes or is modified in any way. This is done to keep you informed and alert you to take any action necessary for any unauthorized changes.
Please review ALCOAST 105/25 for the complete details on the implementation of MFA here.
For additional help check out the user guides and self-service options for DA at the PPC website.
We need your help! Are you in contact with a retiree, annuitant, or beneficiary (non-CAC user)? If so, send them a link to this article to help maximize awareness.
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