| Title: | Multi-Factor Authentication Policy |
|---|---|
| Policy Owner: | Information Technology Services / Chief Information Security Officer |
| Applies to: | All employees, students |
| Campus Applicability: | All Campuses |
| Effective Date: | March 29, 2023 |
| For More Information, Contact | UConn Information Security Office |
| Contact Information: | techsupport@uconn.edu or security@uconn.edu |
| Official Website: | https://security.uconn.edu/ |
PURPOSE
To help prevent unauthorized access to University information systems.
DEFINITIONS
DUO: A University–approved Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) application That provides an added layer of protection to help prevent unauthorized access to university information systems. DUO can be loaded on individual devices including smartphones and tablets. It can also provide multi-factor authentication through the sending of SMS codes directly to phones and through the use of pre-generated codes.
Fob: A small hardware device that serves as a second authentication mechanism either in place of in addition to the DUO mobile app.
University Information System: Devices and/or components managed by the University for collecting, storing, and processing data and for providing information, knowledge, and digital products. For purposes of this policy, information technology devices and components managed exclusively by UConn Health are not considered University Information Systems.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is a method of system access control in which a user is granted access only after successfully providing at least two pieces of authentication, usually including knowledge (something the user knows such as a password), possession (something the user has such as a token generator), or inherence (something the user is such as the use of biometrics).
POLICY STATEMENT
Users of University Information Systems must adhere to Multi-Factor Authentication requirements, where available, to ensure authorized access to University Information Systems and protected or confidential data.
PROCEDURES
User Requirements
- Users must maintain a device that can receive DUO authentication requests in a secure manner via the DUO mobile app or another mechanism, such as SMS, phone, or token.
- When an attempt is made to access a DUO enabled system or application, the system will challenge the user by requesting a second factor of authentication which may include an acknowledgement of a push notification via the DUO app, a 6-digit code via SMS, or a Fob.
- If users receive a DUO notification when not conducting a recent authentication, the authentication should be denied and reported to the Technology Support Center
Frequency of User Challenges
The frequency with which a user may be challenged depends both on policy and use.
- Policy based – depending on information being accessed, more frequent authentications may be required.
- Usage based – While user challenges may be “remembered” for a period of time, use of other hardware, browsers, or other behaviors may trigger additional verification using a second factor.
Lost or Stolen Devices
If a user’s registered device is lost, stolen, or the user has reason to suspect their UConn NetID has been compromised, the user must contact the Technology Support Center immediately. As a precaution, they should change their NetID password at netid.uconn.edu
Off-Hours and Emergency Access to systems and applications
UConn Information Technology Services will maintain internal procedures for processing emergency access requests if issues arise with the multi-factor authentication process. Users should contact the Support Desk for additional information.
Use of Automated Systems
Automated systems that intend to interfere with the approval component of multi-factor authentication are hereby prohibited.
ENFORCEMENT
Users may not attempt to circumvent login procedures, including DUO multi-factor authentication, on any computer system or otherwise attempt to gain unauthorized access. Attempts to circumvent login procedures may subject individuals to disciplinary action. Financial losses incurred due to the use of DUO multi-factor circumvention techniques are the responsibility of the user, and the University may seek financial restitution from users who violate this policy.
Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the Student Code.
EXCEPTIONS
ITS will review and document any requests for exceptions to this standard. ITS will also have available solutions for the intermittent failure of various second factors, which may include the allowance of temporary access codes upon verification of an individual’s identity.
Questions about this policy or suspected violations may be reported to any of the following:
Information Technology Services Tech Support – https://techsupport.uconn.edu (860-486-4357)
Information Security Office – https://security.uconn.edu
POLICY HISTORY
Policy created: March 29, 2023 (Approved by Senior Policy Council)