Upcoming security requirements for your OHIO account
Dear [Name],
In order to protect the security of your OHIO account, Ohio University is introducing new requirements on [date] to access your email and other university accounts. These requirements include:
1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which verifies your identity before you log in
2. Modern Authentication, which requires using a more secure email application
What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) improves your protection against lost or stolen passwords by requiring two methods of identification each time you log in:
1. something you know, such as your password
2. something you have, such as your phone or fingerprint
MFA makes it much harder for an unauthorized person to gain access to your account because they would need both your password and your device to log in.
What is Modern Authentication?
Modern Authentication works together with multi-factor authentication (MFA) to keep your email secure. Microsoft is retiring the old way to log in (Basic Authentication) because it does not work with MFA. For most users, this will require switching to Microsoft Outlook to access your email.
What does this mean for me?
You will need to switch to a new email application and enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) by [date] to maintain access to your account. Before you can enroll, you will need your password and a smartphone, tablet or other device. Once you have set up modern authentication and MFA, you will be prompted to confirm your identity any time you log in with your OHIO password.
How to use modern authentication:
You have two options to access your email using modern authentication:
1. Use Catmail (the Outlook Web Application) from any computer or device. For more information, visit the Catmail help and resources page.
OR
2. Download the Microsoft Outlook application for your computer or mobile device or confirm that your current email application supports modern authentication. Visit the modern authentication migration page to identify the correct version for your device and upgrade if necessary.
How to enroll in MFA:
Once you are using an email application compatible with modern authentication, you can visit the multi-factor authentication enrollment page and follow steps 1-4. You’ll be prompted to confirm your recovery email and security questions in case you forget or lose your password before you download and set up the Duo Mobile app, which OHIO uses to manage MFA. Finally, you’ll choose your preferred authentication method – a push notification to your mobile device or an automated call or text.
Additional help
If you need help or have additional questions, contact the IT Service Desk at 740-593-122 or servicedesk@ohio.edu. You may also visit the help and resource pages for Modern Authentication and Duo Mobile for more information and frequently asked questions.
We appreciate your efforts to help us maintain a secure online environment for our entire OHIO community.
Thank you,
Ohio University
Office of Information Technology
https://www.ohio.edu/oit