MODERN AUTHENTICATION
As of August 1, 2022, Dartmouth College requires Modern authentication to access all Dartmouth email accounts. This change ensures that you access your email securely from all your devices. Setting up access to your email using Modern authentication on a device is a one-time process.
A core feature of Modern authentication is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Dartmouth users have already set up DUO (our solution for MFA) to access most services at the college.
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Why is Dartmouth making this change?
To offer more secure email and to align with industry standards, Dartmouth will require MFA (DUO) for all methods of accessing email.
For many years, email used Basic authentication. Basic authentication simply means the application sends a username and password with every request. However, Basic authentication is an outdated industry standard that makes it easier for attackers to capture user credentials. Modern authentication has many benefits and improvements that help mitigate issues in Basic authentication.
Recently, companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Google have updated their applications and operating systems to support Modern authentication methods when checking email, including MFA (DUO) authentication. Microsoft in particular will begin disabling Basic authentication for Outlook effective October 1, 2022.
Who is affected?
The change affects all email users who access email through an email client on their desktop or mobile device, and who have not already adopted Modern authentication. If you have added your Dartmouth account to a compatible Email client and been prompted for DUO then you are already using Modern authentication on that device. Your email account will not be affected if you only access Outlook through a web browser.
If you were contacted directly about needing to move to Modern authentication, it is because you recently used a device that is still connecting to your Dartmouth Outlook account using Basic authentication.
How to prepare for this change?
Information, Technology and Consulting is contacting Dartmouth community members who are still using Basic authentication and will notify them of the timing of, and preparatory steps required for, their move to Modern authentication.
If you are not using Microsoft Outlook via desktop or mobile clients you should be prepared to take these steps before your account is updated:
- To speed the change, connect your device to WIFI (vs. cellular data service).
- Establish an alternative way to check your Dartmouth email and calendar while the change is applied. This includes checking email directly via BWA. Outlook Web will be fully accessible (and always is) throughout the transition. If your not using the Installed version of Outlook we recommend you get logged in on your primary computer and mobile device. Outlook is the recommended and supported application at the College.
- Ensure that your device meets the necessary system requirements (see the System Requirements listed below).
System Requirements
To use Modern authentication on your device, your device's system must meet the following requirements.
For Mac and PC Computers
- Microsoft Office 2016 or higher for Windows or MacOS (Outlook is our supported and recommended Email and Calendar client)
- MacOS native mail client on systems running MacOS 10.14+ (Mojave) or newer
(Note: Before upgrading your OS, you may want to review your current system to ensure you can do a smooth OS upgrade)
- Use of a modern, up-to-date web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or MS EDGE for web-based access to email and Office 365 (bwa.dartmouth.edu)
For Mobile Devices
- Latest version of the Microsoft Outlook app from the iTunes or Google Play Store
- iOS 12.0 or higher native mail client
- Android 8 or higher native mail client
If your device does not meet these system requirements, you will need to update to a supported operating system and client version, install Outlook, or use BWA to access your email account. If you have been identified as having logged in using Basic authentication but have a compatible MacOS or iOS version you will still need to follow the steps in the appropriate links below. NOTE: Apple requires you remove and re-add your account to move to Modern authentication.
Steps to Move to Modern Authentication
If you were notified that you are using Basic authentication please review the links below to start logging in using Modern authentication. If you have questions or would like to talk with a technology consultant please follow this link to open a ticket with our Service Desk.
- Steps to remove and re-add your Dartmouth account iOS Mail (e.g. iPhone, iPad) Link
- Steps to remove and re-add your Dartmouth account in Apple Mail (e.g. Mac) Link
- Adding your Dartmouth account to Outlook for Mac Link
- Android devices KBA Link
- Linux information KBA Link