SharkPass
Safely entering stormy waters
What is SharkPass?
Simmons uses SharkPass two-step verification, powered by Duo Security, which is vital for fending off phishing attacks and other scams. This makes logging into services like email, Workday, and Simmons Connection more secure and puts Simmons on par with with major technology and financial services companies, as well as other colleges and universities.
SharkPass adds a crucial step after entering your username and password when you log in to a Simmons web-based service. During log in, you will receive a prompt via push notification or be asked to enter a code from a hardware token to approve your login. This step improves security by adding another device to the login process. Even if someone obtains your password, they won’t be able to log in without access to your mobile phone or other device.
Quick Start
When logging in to your Simmons account for the first time you will be prompted to begin enrolling devices with SharkPass. Please ensure you have the following ready and available:
Your mobile phone device
The ability to download apps to your mobile device, including access to the app store, any passwords for your mobile device or app store account, and updated credit card info that may be required to download software (the app and service are free).
A desktop or laptop computer. Enrolling devices in SharkPass is not possible from a mobile device alone.
Once done adding devices, you should logout and test logging into Simmons web-based services with SharkPass. You can completely logout of your sessions by visiting this Logout page and quitting your browser. If you checked "Remember me for 30 days," you can use a different browser, or an incognito or private browsing window, to test SharkPass.
FAQ
Q: Why has Simmons implemented SharkPass?
A: With increasing security attacks across higher education institutions, passwords alone are not a sufficient way to protect personal information and digital identities.
Q: What if I don't have a cell phone or mobile device? Can I still use SharkPass?
A: Two-step verification hardware tokens are available. Please contact the Service Desk, at 617-521-2222.
Q: What if I need to log in and don't have or have lost my device?
A: Please set up a second device when enrolling in SharkPass. In a pinch, the Service Desk can issue you a Bypass Code, upon being provided proper identification.
Q: Do I need to use SharkPass every time I log in?
A: Not quite. SharkPass can remember you when signing in from the same computer and browser. Check, Remember me for 30 days, at login.
Q: Do I need SharkPass to log in to Simmons computers?
A: No. Simmons has implemented SharkPass for all browser-based web service logins, including G Suite (formerly Google Apps), Workday, Simmons Connection, and VPN. Logins to Simmons desktop and laptop computers are not affected.
Q: Is SharkPass accessible for people who require assistive technologies?
A: Yes, please see our vendor's documentation regarding web accessibility. Please contact the Service Desk (617-521-2222) if you need further assistance.
Q: Do I need Cookies enabled to use the SharkPass Remember me for 30 days feature?
A: Yes. Please see the SharkPass DUO Cookie Policy and information about Enabling Cookies if you do not have them enabled by default.
Advisory: SharkPass Changes
Universal Prompt
On January 10, 2023, Simmons Technology will be implementing the Universal Prompt for Sharkpass/Duo, which will change the appearance of the login process for Simmons resources. The new prompt will have a redesigned interface that is sleeker and more simplified. This change is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the user experience and enhance security.
What do I need to do?
You do not need to take any specific action in preparation for this change. The Universal Prompt will automatically choose Duo Push as your preferred authentication device when you log into a Simmons resource. We ask that you be aware that this change will take effect on January 10, 2023, and be prepared for a slightly different login experience. All device management functions will still be available in the new interface, but the way these features are accessed may change.
Duo Mobile on Legacy Devices
Duo has announced that effective February 9, 2023, Duo Mobile will no longer be supported on devices running Android 8 or 9, or iOS 13 or earlier. This means that users will not be able to download the latest version of Duo Mobile on these devices, and they will no longer receive fixes or security updates for Duo Mobile. Support teams will also have limited ability to troubleshoot issues with Duo Mobile on these older operating systems.
However, Duo Push will continue to work on already-installed versions of Duo Mobile on these devices, and users will still be able to authenticate using Duo. Duo Mobile will continue to be fully supported on devices running iOS 14 or Android 10 or newer.
To determine which operating system your mobile device is running, please see these articles:
If you need assistance determining whether your device will be compatible with Duo Mobile after February 9, 2023, you can contact the Simmons Technology Service Desk or call 617-521-2222.
If you do not have a compatible device, you may be eligible for a free two-step verification hardware token. Please contact the Service Desk to request one.
These changes are part of Simmons' ongoing efforts to improve security for our community members and our computer systems. Please be on the lookout for future communications as we get closer to the critical dates.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Richard Phung at richard.phung@simmons.edu or 617-521-2692.
Need Additional Help?
Policies
Use of this website is governed by the Acceptable Use Policy and by other applicable University policies. For further information, contact Technology at Simmons University at 617-521-2222 or Service Desk.
Feedback
This is a new service for Simmons. We appreciate and encourage your feedback in order to help us improve it.
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