Many of us rely on passwords to protect the privacy and security of our online accounts, but passwords alone are no longer enough.  Cyber criminals have access to sophisticated password cracking tools, algorithms, and dictionaries that represent a significant risk to our personal and institutional data.  In order to counter this threat, Bucknell University is rolling out a technology called “Multi-Factor Authentication”, or MFA.  MFA is based on requiring at least two identifiers — typically something you know, such as a password, and something you have, such as a smartphone — to be authenticated to a particular information system.

Our Multi-Factor Authenticated virtual private network will be used to access sensitive and confidential university data from remote locations, enabling our users to enjoy a work-anywhere environment while ensuring that our critical data and systems are protected.  For more information, contact Eric Smith at ejsmith@bucknell.edu.