Starting mid-May, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) will begin implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) to enhance system security for CM/ECF and PACER. MFA provides an added layer of security to accounts by helping protect against cyberattacks that steal passwords, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. 

Once implemented, all CM/ECF and PACER users will be able to enroll in MFA. Users with filing and all other types of CM/ECF-level access will be required to enroll in MFA, while users with PACER-only access will have the option to enroll.  

Implementation Details

Users with CM/ECF-level access who do not voluntarily enroll will be randomly selected to enroll beginning in mid-May and throughout the rest of the year. By the end of 2025, everyone with CM/ECF-level access will be required to use MFA when logging in.

Authentication Options

Users can download any authentication application (app) that supports a time-based one-time password (TOTP). The AO does not endorse specific apps, however, some options include Authy, DUO Mobile, FreeOTP, Google Authenticator, and Microsoft Authenticator. Before enrolling in MFA, the AO recommends that users research available authentication apps to decide which one will work best for them and then download their preferred app. 

Additionally, users who are unable to download an authentication app will be able to save one-time use backup codes. Once users have used all their backup codes, they will need to request a new batch.

Shared Accounts

Filers and other users with CM/ECF-level access who share their account will be able to add up to five authentication apps. In other words, they can enroll up to four other users’ authentication apps in addition to their own.

Please continue to check the PACER website for more updates and additional information on MFA.