FAQ

This FAQ is divided into multiple segments. Click on the links below to jump between segments.

General

  1. What is Two Factor Authentication (2FA)?
    Two Factor Authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security to protect your NUS account and access to sensitive systems. You will require a Security Code in addition to your NUSNET UserID and password to access these systems.
  2. Is 2FA compulsory?
    Yes, 2FA is compulsory for all NUS faculty and staff to access sensitive NUS Services.
  3. Can I choose not to opt in, or opt out of 2FA?
    2FA is compulsory for ALL NUS faculty and staff to access sensitive NUS Services. There is no option to opt in or opt out.
  4. I have multiple accounts, e.g. functional accounts xxxhead@nus.edu.sg and personal accounts. Will all my NUSNET accounts be affected?
    Yes, all NUS faculty and staff NUSNET accounts will be affected, including both functional and personal accounts.
  5. What are the cyber security risks mitigated by 2FA?
    2FA mitigates the increasing risk of identity theft through email phishing and other cyber security threats.
  6. I know how to avoid phishing emails, why do I need to use 2FA?
    Many other cyber security threats exist that can cause identity theft, such as computer virus, hacking and system vulnerability.
  7. What are the online services, applications or systems that I need 2FA to access to?

    A growing number of sensitive online services, applications and systems will require 2FA to access, including but not limited to:

    • Staff Portal e-Services (eg. ePaySlip, Leave Application, Performance Appraisal, etc).
      Click here to see where eServices are located.
    • SAP client (A non-web Graphical User Interface to access advanced SAP functionalities, e.g. financial reporting by departments, or fixed assets creation, etc.)
    • ISIS for staff
    • New SharePoint 2013 (for staff only)
  8. Will 2FA be enabled for NUS Email?
    We are not considering enabling 2FA for Email for this phase of the 2FA implementation.
  9. Will 2FA be enabled for remotely accessing my desktop using RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)?
    We are not considering enabling 2FA for RDP for this phase of the 2FA implementation.
  10. Will 2FA be required from outside of NUS campus only?
    A growing number of sensitive online services will require 2FA to access. Once the service is 2FA enabled, it will be required regardless of whether you are inside or outside of NUS campus.
  11. What is the technology used for 2FA?
    NUS’ implementation of 2FA is based on Symantec VIP (Validation and ID Protection) technology. It supports a wide spectrum of hardware and software one-time security code, including smart phones, tablets, Windows PCs and MACs, etc. Computer Centre implements the VIP solution and integrates it with the campus infrastructure and applications so as to enable secure access to selective sensitive e-Services and applications while preventing malicious unauthorized access.
  12. What should I do if I want to enable 2FA for my departmental applications and systems?
    2FA is applicable for ensuring secured access to applications and systems containing confidential or sensitive information. Firstly, departments need to assess if the applications or systems are applicable for 2FA protection. Secondly, departments must be prepared to fund vendors’ efforts or invest in software development efforts as changes to the systems and applications are likely to be required for integration with the 2FA solution. For most of the commercial off-the-shelf software, you will need to engage your vendors and assess if changes for integration with the 2FA solution is possible or not. You can submit your request to CCEIDMA@nus.edu.sg and we will contact you shortly for further discussion.
  13. Will students, shared box accounts and visitor accounts be affected?
    For this phase of the 2FA implementation, only NUS staff and selected Student Helpers will be affected. Students, shared box accounts and most visitor accounts will not be affected
  14. Do NUS visitors have to enrol in 2FA?
    Only selected NUS visitors will be allowed to enrol into 2FA for business needs.
  15. Who should I contact if I have any query on 2FA?
    Please call 6516 2080.