What is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?
VDI is a computing service available to students, staff, and faculty that works by moving the user’s desktop environment from a physical computer to a remote-accessible, central host computer. This means the computer you actually use for tasks such as word processing, email, and internet browsing is not the device in front of you, but rather a Microsoft Windows computer maintained by the IT department and provided over a network connection. A host of benefits to using VDI can be found at the article linked at the end of this message.
What is changing?
Beginning August 17th, all VDI users will be required to login using 2-Step Verification, known at Harvard as 2SV. An explanation of 2SV is provided by Harvard University Information Technology here.
Why is this being implemented?
2SV is an extra layer of security designed to ensure that you are the only person who can access your Harvard account, even if your password is stolen. Logging in with 2SV requires something you know (username/password), and something you have (typically a smart phone). This combination makes it very difficult for someone to hack your account even if your password is stolen. Harvard uses the DUO service to facilitate 2-Step Verification and is the service used with HarvardKey. If you have HarvardKey then you already use DUO.
How to do it:
Click here for instructions for using 2SV with VDI.
Please contact our IT Helpdesk at (617) 432-4357 or email helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu for any questions or concerns you may have regarding this information.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department of Information Technology
