COMING SOON: New Login Procedure Adds Extra Layer of Security to Student Information Systems

Beginning Sunday, November 5, multifactor authentication will be added to the Student Information Systems behind Buckeye Link that store personal and financial information. You may already be using multi-factor authentication to log in to other accounts at your bank, email, gaming sites or social media sites.

BuckeyePass will provide a second layer of security by requiring not only a password and username, but also a second method of authentication that you control. We recommend that users enroll multiple devices so a backup is available in case of a lost, stolen, broken or simply unavailable primary device. 

Why do we need BuckeyePass?

Cybercriminals are smart, they want your information and they are continually inventing new ways to get it. At some universities phishing schemes have compromised a student’s password, allowing criminals to divert student loan, aid or grant funds. This specific threat is one of the reasons we chose the student systems that contain personal and financial data as the next service to receive multi-factor protection.

Student information systems include personal data that could be used for identity theft and payment information related to tuition, student loans, financial aid and grants. While the addition of multi-factor authentication to Buckeye Link will primarily protect students, all Buckeye Link users will be impacted, including advisors and any other faculty and staff who use the system. Carmen Canvas is not affected by this change.

How does it work?

If you’re new to BuckeyePass, it’s time to enroll! If you are an employee who has used it in the past to login to Employee Self Service (ESS), you may need a refresher because you will also need to use it to access ESS to choose benefit options during Open Enrollment in November.

Enrolling in BuckeyePass

• Start by enrolling at https://buckeyepass.osu.edu/.
• Choose how you want to complete secondary authentication to verify your identity:
  • Mobile app (Duo Security application)
  • Text message
  • Telephone call
  • Hard token (in very limited circumstances)

Using BuckeyePass

• After November 5, when you access student information systems or BuckeyeLink, you will first enter your Ohio State username (name.#) and password.
• After you’ve entered your credentials, you will be prompted to complete secondary authentication.
• The secondary authentication will be sent to you for acceptance by whichever method you chose during your BuckeyePass enrollment.

Users who need help using BuckeyePass can visit https://buckeyepass.osu.edu, email buckeyepass@osu.edu or call 614-688-HELP (4357).