Starting from Thursday 10th July 2025, some Trinity VPN users will notice a change to their VPN multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompt via the Microsoft Authenticator app.

What is changing?

Prior to the 10th of July, when connecting to the VPN from off-campus, users may have received an ‘Approve sign-in?’ prompt containing a ‘Deny’ or ‘Approve’ option. 

Microsoft Authenticator App - Deny Approve Prompt

Starting from the 10th of July onwards, this ‘Deny’ or ‘Approve’ prompt option will no longer show.

Upon attempting to connect to the VPN, users may now be asked to enter a ‘Microsoft verification code’ into the VPN client on your computer.

Cisco anyconnect.tcd.ie VPN verification code prompt

To locate this code and connect successfully to the VPN service:

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
  2. In the app, tap on the tile for your personal Trinity email account profile, e.g. bloggsj@tcd.ie
  3. You will then be shown a ‘One-time password code’. Enter this code back into the VPN connection screen on your computer.
     
    Enter Microsoft Authenticator OTP into Cisco VPN login box
    • Please note, the ‘One-time password code’ displayed in the app will change every 30 seconds.

Why is this change happening?

IT Services are continuously enhancing cyber security measures across our systems to better protect our users and their data. These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding our community against emerging cyber threats.

Need Help?

If you experience any difficulty connecting to the VPN after these changes have been implemented, please contact our IT Service Desk for support.