CUIT uses Duo as the MFA service to verify your identity for Columbia’s centralized applications. With Duo, you can use a mobile app, a text message or a phone call to authenticate. Duo can be combined with other authentication factors like username and password authentication to create multi factor authentication. Most people use Duo via the mobile app, Duo Mobile, which runs on a variety of smartphones and tablets.
Duo MFA Setup
Interested? Click here to set up and test Duo MFA if you want to set it up now.
Duo MFA Installation and Training Videos
Watch these how-to videos to learn how to install and use Duo on your mobile device (iPhone and Android).
iPhone
Android
Access Columbia Systems Remotely
In order to use a VPN you must first configure DUO/MFA.
GSAPP Faculty and Students can use studio applications on the Columbia Network remotely using a VPN.
What is a VPN?
Virtual Private Network is a software that enables you to connect to the Columbia network remotely. It is the preferred and recommended software.
When do I use a VPN for GSAPP?
If you are remote and not connected to Columbia’s secure wired or secure wireless network and need to access applications with licensing bound to the campus network
How do I enable a VPN?
On your desktop/laptop computer (preferred), visit and log in to this site to download the desktop client. Next, follow our step-by-step VPN installation instructions.
For more detailed instructions and FAQs please visit CUIT’s Remote Access Services Page.
Software Configurations/Troubleshooting for Autodesk Applications
To use any Autodesk applications, you must first configure these two things: DUO/MFA through Columbia University’s website and VPN. Please do so in that order.
Open the “Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client” application.
Connect to the Columbia network via VPN.
Once you are connected, open AutoCAD.
A window titled “FlexNet License Finder” will appear and say it was not able to obtain a license. Select the option for “Specify the License Server System” and click “Next.”
Input: “licenseprdapp02.cuit.columbia.edu” and select “Next” (Do not include the quotation marks). It should accept it and allow you to exit by selecting “Finish.”
This will apply itself automatically to all of the other Autodesk applications.