Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Uppsala University is raising the security level of our IT environment by requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for more services and systems. The majority of the most common types of IT attacks can be avoided using multi-factor authentication.
Large companies and organizations are exposed to cyber attacks every day. In fact, attacks have doubled in recent years and the education sector is affected by over one in ten attempts to breach IT systems.
To minimize the risk of someone accessing our information, the university is gradually introducing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for more IT systems and services. Multi-factor authentication is a security method that requires users to verify their identity through multiple independent means before accessing a system or service. It can be something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a mobile phone) and something the user is (like a fingerprint or facial recognition).
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Get started with MFA and read more via the links below about what MFA means for you as a university employee and how we together can achieve the goal of securing the university's IT environment.
Do you have questions about MFA?
What is MFA and Why Bother?
What services will require MFA? How often do I need to log in? Which app should I use?
Although the kind of multi-factor authentication that is being introduced at the university can feel complicated, it is a necessary step to increase IT and cyber security at the university.
Read the article "Multifactor authentication important for university security"
Remember to Enable MFA to Use Our Services
When we introduce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for more of the university's systems and services, you as an employee need to activate MFA for your university account. Collaborative Spaces in Sharepoint Online require their own form of MFA. Read more at the links below.
Follow these guides to activate MFA for your university account
Different Kinds of MFA for Collaborative Spaces and User Accounts?
It is only for technical reasons that everyone needs to create a special login for the collaorative spaces in SharePoint Online. In the university's large array of digital systems and services, there are many connections that make it complicated to keep all solutions working exactly alike. In terms of security, there is no difference at all. Once your multi-factor authentication is up and running, it works similarly on all systems.
It is recommended that you use the Microsoft Authenticator app for all your MFA needs. It gives you notifications for many circumstances and you'll only have to open one app when you need to confirm your identity.
TIP: You can easily rename yourMFA-keys so that you know which key is used for certain systems and services. Follow this guide to learn more.
Get Help Activating MFA for Your User Account
To make it easier for all staff to get started with MFA, the Department of University IT Services offers a limited number of Zoom gatherings – occasions where IT technicians are available to demonstrate how to enable MFA for your user account.
English Zoom Meetings are held on the occations below. Connect to Zoom using https://uu-se.zoom.us/j/68085166172 at these hours to find help in getting started:
DATE | TIME | ZOOM LINK |
|---|---|---|
XX april (coming soon) | 13.30-14.30 | |
XX april (coming soon) | 09.30-10.30 |
MFA Requirements for VPN - Connect to Our Network Remotely
A major step in increasing the security level of our shared IT systems is to require MFA to connect to the university via VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Collaborate in SharePoint Online using MFA
Collaborative spaces in SharePoint Online are made possible thanks the use of MFA login, giving the service a higher security class and better protection.
