Multi-Factor Authentication at the University of Jyväskylä

In practice, multi-factor authentication means that after entering your username and password, your login is verified by a smartphone application (Authenticator) that you connect to the service, using a similar principle as for banking services.

The purpose of this deployment is to improve JYU's security practices in the face of the increasing number of data breaches and phishing attacks. By implementing multi-factor authentication, you will protect your account from unauthorised access and ensure that no data falls into the wrong hands.

Extending multi-factor authentication to other existing university systems and services

Multi-factor authentication will be gradually rolled out to a number of university systems and services and user groups.

Two solutions have been selected as MFA implementation options: Microsoft/M365 and Cisco/DUO. These two different options for two-factor authentication are needed because neither alone is sufficient for the needs of the University of Jyväskylä.

The Microsoft/M365 MFA solution has been deployed for staff logins to Microsoft services such as Outlook email and Teams, as well as for services connected to Microsoft logins such as the Eduhouse e-learning portal.

Cisco's DUO MFA solution has been used for targeted authentication of University of Jyväskylä staff for several years, for example in the following services: system maintenance VPN connections, Nextcloud and Sarake-sign. 

Cisco Duo Multi-factor authentication at the University of Jyväskylä