Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security procedure in which access authorisation is verified using several independent security features (factors). Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a specific form of MFA in which exactly two factors are used for authentication.
At Worms University of Applied Sciences, 2FA provides additional protection for your university account against unauthorised access by means of a second security factor (2FA token).
To use Worms University of Applied Sciences’ VPN client, additional authentication using a 2FA token is required.
To set up and use 2FA, you will need:
- Your university account to log
in - a connection to the university network whilst on campus (eduroam)
→ It is not possible to set up the 2FA token whilst outside the university network!!!
- a web browser to create a permanent 2FA token
- your own mobile device or laptop to set up and use the 2FA token
First, connect your device to the university network (eduroam) and then set up your 2FA token using the relevant instructions.
⚠️ Important notice
The Microsoft Authenticator app cannot be used for two-factor authentication (2FA tokens) at the university.
Please follow one of our recommendations listed below:
KeePassXC software
For computers
FreeOTP app
For mobile devices (Android / iOS)
YubiKey hardware token
Optional for staff at Worms University of Applied Sciences only.
→ Instructions for using YubiKey
→ Instructions for using YubiKey on macOS
Once you have set up the token via one of the apps, you can check it within the university network (eduroam) using the following test page:
1. Open the test page sptest.rz.hs-worms.de and log in with your university account (enter your username entirely in lower case and without “@hs-worms.de”).
2. Enter the combination of numbers displayed from the token you created in your app, without any spaces in between
3. Select ‘Validate’.
4. The “sptest Shibboleth test site” page should now appear:
If your name is displayed on the page, the token is working and you can use it outside the university network to log in to the VPN client.
If “Undefined” appears everywhere:
- Please check, as mentioned in step 1, whether you
have spelt your username correctly. - Enter a new combination of numbers from the token in your app, again without any spaces in between
. - Try this a second time if it still does not work.
- If, after this new login attempt, the page still displays “Undefined” everywhere, you will need to generate a new token by following the instructions. Make sure you do not skip any steps in the instructions for generating a 2FA token.
FAQs
Once you have set up your 2FA token following the instructions, you can set up the VPN client.
To do this, use the Cisco Secure Client.
Contact the Data Centre
Opening hours
Service office at Worms University of Applied Sciences, Building A, 1st floor, Room 104
- Monday to Thursday:
08:00–12:00 and 12:45–16:00 - Friday:
08:00–12:00 and 12:45–14:00
Information on how to get in touch
It will make it much easier for us to process your enquiry if you follow these guidelines:
- Subject: Problem with the software application (e.g. university account)
- Content: A detailed description of your problem, including at least the username you are using and, if possible, a screenshot
- Email sender: Please use the webmail service or email client with your university email address wherever possible
- Our email address: helpdesk@hs-worms.de
