Online attacks, hacks and phishing scams are persistent in our digital world. To maximize the security of our community, Vanderbilt is now enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) from Duo Security for client-based Microsoft Office applications access across mobile devices, desktop computers and laptops.
Faculty, staff and students will be prompted to log into their Duo accounts again when accessing Microsoft Office applications for the first time after the update on Sept. 5. By providing this extra level of identity verification, MFA benefits both the individual and the Vanderbilt community.
What should you expect?
- You will be prompted for Duo on all devices where apps are installed (e.g., laptops, desktops, mobile phones and tablets) the first time you access the applications on each device
- The prompt should only occur once unless something changes (e.g., password change/reset or new device)
- MFA is not location dependent – the prompt will occur whether you are on/off campus and on/off VPN—although, once it is done, a change in this variable won’t trigger a re-prompt
- For example, if you authenticated while on VPN, logging off of VPN won’t require you to authenticate again
If you have any questions, please contact VUIT Support by calling 615-343-9999 or by any of the methods listed at it.vanderbilt.edu.