BuckeyePass coming to EHE VPN

University policy requires all virtual private networks (VPNs) utilize university approved multifactor authentication. Beginning Sept. 5, BuckeyePass (Duo) will be part of EHE’s VPN service.

Most of us should be familiar with BuckeyePass today. BuckeyePass is a multifactor authentication service provided to Ohio State faculty, staff, students, and student employees. It is used to protect your personal information and files stored on Box, for example. It also helps protect your account even if your password is stolen.

Enroll in BuckeyePass, if you haven’t already.

You also can download Duo to your smartphone through the Google Play App for Android phones or the App Store for iPhone; search for Duo Mobile. 

When multifactor authentication takes effect Wednesday, Sept. 5, take the following steps to access the VPN:

1. Log-in to the OpenVPN web interface or client on your EHE computer
2. After successful log-in, a second authentication prompt will appear
   
3. You can either enter a passcode from the BuckeyePass app on your mobile device, or you can type in an authentication method. EHE OIT recommends “push” for the simplest option. A description of the four authentication types are described below.
   • passcode - To log in using a passcode, in the BuckeyePass Method/Code field type the passcode, either generated with Duo Mobile, sent via SMS, or generated by your hardware token. Examples: "191215” or “1456789"
   • push - To push a login request to your phone (if you have Duo Mobile installed and activated on your iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, or BlackBerry device), in the BuckeyePass Method/Code field type the word push then review the request and tap "Approve" on your phone to log in. Examples: "push"
   • phone - To authenticate via phone callback, in the BuckeyePass Method/Code field type the word phone then answer the call and press 1 on your phone to log in. Example: "phone"
   • sms - To get a new batch of SMS passcodes, in the BuckeyePass Method/Code field type the word sms. Your login attempt will fail — log in again with one of your new passcodes. Example: "sms” then “1456789"

Note: in all examples the quotes are not required.

If you have any questions please contact the EHE Office of Information Technology (OIT) at 614-274-8324 or servicedesk@ehe.osu.edu.