As of December 4, 2025, we will be implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) with Cisco Duo in KLIPS 2.0, as you may already be aware from our ongoing communications.

With this measure, we aim to and must secure KLIPS 2.0, as a central and important digital system of the University of Cologne, against cyberattacks and to protect your data. At our university, we place particular emphasis on confidentiality and security in handling sensitive information. Personal data enjoys special legal protection in this regard.

A legal basis for this is the "Agreement on Cybersecurity at Universities (VzC)," which was concluded between the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the universities. Areas with data or IT services requiring a high level of protection must be secured with multi-factor authentication, among other measures – and this includes KLIPS 2.0.

Thank you for your cooperation in these security measures.

Please note the following information regarding MFA with Cisco Duo.

To continue accessing KLIPS 2.0 after the introduction of multi-factor authentication on December 4, 2025, it is imperative that you complete the initial registration in Cisco Duo. To do this, you must be on the UoC campus with any computer or mobile device (with an active Wi-Fi or LAN connection to the UKLAN) for the one-time enrollment. If you already use Cisco Duo (e.g. for the VPN connection), this step is not necessary.

Regardless of whether you already use Cisco Duo for a VPN connection, starting December 4, 2025, you will need to authenticate via Cisco Duo in addition to entering your user credentials to access KLIPS 2.0 – whether you are in the office or at home.

Detailed information on the requirements and use of Cisco Duo can be found on the ITCC website: https://itcc.uni-koeln.de/en/services/accounts-communication/multifactor-authentication-cisco-duo 

The initial registration process is explained in detail here, including illustrated click-through instructions: https://itcc.uni-koeln.de/en/services/accounts-communication/multifactor-authentication-cisco-duo/initial-registration-in-cisco-duo