Only once a day 2FA required for Blackboard

To increase the security of the university network, two-factor authentication (2FA) has been turned on for various IT services. As a result, Blackboard, among others, often requires logging in with 2FA several times a day. This 2FA requires taking out your phone and entering a code.

Distraction by phone

Because many students want to avoid distractions while studying (e.g. messages), they put their phones out of sight. This is no longer possible if you always need your phone for the 2FA: you then automatically look at your screen. The students started a petition in which they drew attention to this problem.

Solution

In cooperation between students and ITS (the central IT organization of the university) a solution has been found that strikes a balance between usability and security. As of September 5, 2022, students will only have to log back into Blackboard once every eight hours. In practice, this means one working day. We hope that this will enable students to work more pleasantly and with greater concentration.

What we ask of you

Now that you, as a student, do not have to log into Blackboard (again) as often, it is important that you lock your computer when you walk away. After all, you don't want anyone else to be able to look into your data. When you are done in Blackboard, it is important that you manually log out (and not hit the cross). This is especially necessary on public computers. Want to know more about working safely? We've listed it for you.

Need help?

Contact the IT Service Desk.