Why is VCU Doing This?

The beginning of a sophisticated cyberattack usually starts with a phishing scam. A phishing scam is a social engineering attack that utilizes a phone call, an email, social media, or a text message to trick a victim into disclosing information that he or she would typically not disclose. The end goal of phishing scams is usually the theft of login credentials such as usernames and passwords. Armed with the username and password of an individual, a cyber adversary can then masquerade as the victim, steal his or her personal information protected by those credentials, or silently compromise the organization where the victim works while minimizing the chances of alarm.

 

The implementation of VCU 2Factor Authentication will significantly reduce the likelihood that these stolen accounts can be used by a cyber adversary, as individual identities are verified by not only assigned login credentials but also something the individual has in his or her possession.

How is This Done?

VCU already deployed its VCU 2Factor Authentication solution to various authentication services and will continue to integrate the VCU 2Factor Authentication solution with the VCU Central Authentication Service.

For VCU’s deployment of VCU 2Factor Authentication to the Central Authentication Service, VCU will utilize the combination of your eID credentials and a message delivered to your phone using VCU 2Factor Authentication provider.

How Will I Be Affected?

VCU will integrate VCU 2Factor Authentication to all new applications protected by the Central Authentication Service. By default:

  • VCU 2Factor Authentication will be required for all faculty, staff, and students accessing applications protected by the Central Authentication Service (CAS) when logging in from unknown and or untrusted locations (e.g., off-campus).

  • Once enrolled in the VCU 2Factor authentication service, 2factor authentication will be mandatory for any applications used by the individual.
  • VCU 2Factor authentication is integrated with all web applications using the VCU Central Authentication Service (CAS).

  • All individuals using VCU 2Factor Authentication with the Central Authentication Service (CAS) will have the option to remember their device for 60 days when logging in from an unknown and or untrusted location (e.g., off-campus).

Registering with VCU 2Factor Authentication

Individuals who have never used VCU 2Factor Authentication will need to watch the video or follow the text instructions below to enroll in the service.

Logging into CAS with VCU 2Factor Authentication

Individuals who are already enrolled in VCU 2Factor Authentication follow the instructions below to use with the VCU Central Authentication Service.