In May, Rensselaer experienced a network cyber trespass and, in response, implemented the following safety protocols:
- Added multi-factor authentication to VPN access
- Added VPN requirement for off-campus email
- Required community-wide RCS ID password reset (used for email, wifi, printing, LMS, software installation, and some business systems)
How to navigate new off-campus protocols
- Reset RCS ID password, if you have not changed it since before May 14, 2021 (required for wifi, printing, LMS, software and email)
- Install VPN client on desktop/laptop (skip if previously connected to VPN)
- Install VPN client on mobile device - android or apple (skip if previously connected to VPN)
- Install, configure and login to Cisco AnyConnect DUO app on Mobile device (skip if no mobile device, you can authenticate with a landline).
- Off-campus, test connection to VPN on laptop or desktop and mobile device. (DUO mobile app will provide code to authenticate)
- On-campus test connection to VPN on mobile device by forgetting and reconnecting to Rensselaer WiFi. (DUO mobile app will provide code to authenticate)
- Test new password by re-logging into email on desktop and/or mobile device. (If you forgot your new password submit a request to ITSSC, include RIN and non-rpi email address).
Troubleshooting
If you have not changed your RCS password since May 14th, please change your password utilizing the new requirements as specified on the password reset link.
If you changed your password and cannot remember it, please submit a Support Request with your full name, RIN and external email address requesting assisting with a password reset.
Requires VPN with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using Cisco Duo two-factor authentication.
If you have not installed or configured Cisco VPN with MFA, this is now a requirement to access many RPI systems from off-campus including email. VPN Connection with MFA using Cisco AnyConnect Duo
After configuring VPN with MFA, you will open from your programs Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. You are prompted to enter your RCS userid, RCS password and a second password. The second password is obtained from the Cisco Duo mobile app.
Accessing email on mobile devices from off-campus also requires connecting to the VPN first. Please reference VPN for iOS or VPN for Android for configuration. Once you download the app, login to VPN same as above and then you can access your email.
Note: email app will need the password updated with your new one.
Rensselaer Self-Service uses your RIN number and password (not RCS ID password). Thus changing your RCS password has not affected your Rensselaer Self-Service login.
However, Rensselaer Self-Service may require a password change, too. if you are not able to login to Rensselaer Self-Service, you will need to have access to your RPI email in order to retrieve a Reset Password link for your Rensselaer Self-Service account. Make sure you have access to your email before requesting a reset.
If you are unable to connect to RPI WiFi on-campus, typically rpi_wpa2 or eduroam, it is most likely because you need to update your stored credentials with your new RCS password. To be prompted for your credentials you will need to forget the WiFi connection. Windows or Mac iOS device Android device
If you unable to print to a network printer on-campus, your stored credentials may need to be updated with your new RCS password.
