Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are commonly used tools to enhance online privacy. While they promise certain benefits, they can also lead to unintended behaviour when used to access your UFV account and other UFV resources.
VPNs and your UFV account
When accessing your UFV account with a VPN enabled, the service masks your IP address, making it appear as if you are logging in from a different location. VPNs are also commonly abused by cyber criminals, and so the IP address you are assigned by the VPN might be flagged as malicious.
These reasons can trigger security flags on your account that are meant to detect unusual activity, so, you might encounter more frequent MFA prompts to verify your identity. You could also be prompted to enter your password more frequently, or to change your password more often.
Our recommendation
We recommend that you do not use a VPN to prevent account lock-out and repeated password changes.
More information
If you need more information about VPNs, or if you have concerns about the security of your UFV account, please contact cybersecurity@ufv.ca.
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