Memorandum
| To: | Deans, Directors, and Department Heads |
|---|---|
| From: |
W. Randolph Woodson Warwick A. Arden Marc I. Hoit |
| Subject: | Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication Enrollment for NC State Students |
| Date: | July 29, 2020 |
NC State University, like all institutions of higher education, is under constant attack from cybercriminals. To improve cybersecurity, on Sept. 1, 2020, NC State will begin requiring students to use Google 2-Step Verification to log in to NC State G Suite and Duo Security to access other services, such as MyPack Portal, Moodle and REPORTER. These two-step login processes require a password and an additional security measure such as a phone app or Universal Second Factor (U2F) security key.
Those affected by this mandate include active undergraduate, graduate, distance education and non-degree seeking students. Approximately 14,000 of the more than 39,000 active student accounts are already enrolled in Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). All university employees, including student employees, are already required to use 2FA.
2FA Enrollment Schedule
- On Sept. 1, 2020, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) will begin enforcing 2FA for all currently enrolled graduate students. Cohorts will be added throughout the fall semester by their academic standing.
- Each student cohort will receive information regarding their effective enforcement date via email and various campus communications.
- To enhance support for 2FA, OIT has developed a 2FA Bypass tool for self-service bypass code generation. Enrolled users can visit go.ncsu.edu/2faBypass to create a temporary one-time bypass code for Duo or Google 2-Step to use when none of their two-factor authentication methods are accessible.
- Students can and should enroll now to protect their personal and university data assets against phishing attacks. Self-enrollment instructions are available at Two-Factor Authentication at NC State.
- Starting spring 2021, 2FA will be required for all incoming students
The fall 2FA enrollment for students will complete the university’s 2FA initiative and will help to ensure active accounts and data are protected against the ever-increasing phishing attacks that target the campus community.
If you have any questions about this mandatory requirement, contact the NC State Help Desk via the NC State IT Service Portal or at 919.515.4357 (HELP).