Travel to OFAC-Sanctioned Countries
To comply with regulations and sanctions enforced by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, services such as Microsoft Office 365, GlobalProtect, Zoom, and Microsoft Authenticator block authentication requests whose IP address originates in a country or region subject to economic and trade sanctions. These regions are updated from time to time but presently include:
- Cuba
- North Korea
- Iran
- Sudan
- Syria
- Crimea region
- Sevastopol region
- Donetsk region
- Luhansk region
This restriction applies to all Microsoft Authenticator MFA methods, including the mobile app and passkeys. In order to comply with security best practices and due to Microsoft's legal obligations, there are currently no recommended workarounds for this restriction. Anyone traveling to the above countries/regions should note that Villanova services protected by Microsoft Authenticator will not be accessible from these locations.
Microsoft Authenticator offers multiple options for multi-factor authentication (MFA) to log in to protected systems while traveling. Depending on where you plan to travel, you may be able to use your current MFA method or you may need to consider an alternative option.
Authentication Options
Before your trip, determine which of the available options will best meet your needs and, if needed, enroll your device.
| Option |
Number Matching |
Passkey via Microsoft Authenticator |
Passkey via Hardware Security Key |
| Description |
Push authentication method requiring you to enter a two-digit code in the Microsoft Authenticator app |
Passwordless authentication method via biometrics or PIN saved in the Microsoft Authenticator app |
Passwordless authentication method via a PIN saved on a physical hardware key |
| Device Required |
Smartphone or tablet |
Smartphone or tablet |
Physical hardware security key |
| Connectivity Required |
WiFi or cellular data |
WiFi or celluar data |
None |
| Cellular Data Usage |
~2KB, if not connected to WiFi |
|
None |
| More Info |
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Questions or concerns? Please contact the Service Desk by submitting a ticket or visiting (USA area code +1) 610-519-7777.