Dear students
In order to strengthen our defences against cyber-attacks, such as phishing emails, the CEC approved the implementation of Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) service for Email and Office 365 applications on all RVC accounts.
MFA helps provide extra security for Email and some RVC web applications. When activated, a user not only requires their regular RVC username and password when remotely accessing their college email account, but will also be asked for additional verification, usually in the form of a code received by text or by accepting a prompt sent to the smartphone.
The following methods can be used for this second verification:
Verification Method | Description |
Phone call | A call is placed to a user’s registered phone. The user enters a PIN if necessary then presses the # key. |
Text message | A text message is sent to a user’s mobile phone with a six-digit code. The user enters this code on the sign-in page. |
Mobile app notification (preferred method) | A verification request is sent to a user’s smart phone. The user enters a PIN if necessary then selects Verify on the mobile app. |
Mobile app verification code | The mobile app, which is running on a user’s smart phone, displays a verification code that changes every 30 seconds. The user finds the most recent code and enters it on the sign-in page. |
We have been working with the SU and a test group of students and all students are now required to activate and setup MFA service between now and 20th March 2020. We encourage that you do so in your own time by referring to the self-service process, and following steps in short videos on the College’s website at https://www.rvc.ac.uk/lisd/office-365-account/multi-factor-authentication (please open the link in Chrome browser). The webpages also contain useful information about the service and an FAQs section.
IT support will be available to assist with MFA activation and any issues that you may experience after set up. Please contact IT Helpdesk by telephone: 0207 568 5181 or by email: helpdesk@rvc.ac.uk or via the Service Desk Portal
Please note: The logging in process while on campus remains the same; the additional verification in MFA is only required when logging into email and other o365 applications remotely.
Sally Burton, Infrastructure Services Directorate
sburton@rvc.ac.uk