New York Department of Labor officials on Tuesday pointed to efforts meant to bolster security when people apply for unemployment benefits after billions of dollars in fraud was reported during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The state is deploying a multi-factor authenthication requirement, which uses multiple methods for when a peson logs on such as a tent message code or a push notification on a mobile app in order to confirm an identity. 

“Protecting New Yorkers’ sensitive information remains our top priority,” said state Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “Our new multi-factor authentication is the best possible technology to secure our UI system against breaches. This new measure enhances our ongoing effort to safeguard this critical lifeline to support New Yorkers during their time of need.”

The multi-factor authentication process launched on Sept. 21 and so far more than 261,000 people have enrolled in it. 

Last month, New York officials announced efforts to crackdown on unemployment fraud after $11 billion in erroneous payments were discovered.