On Tuesday August, the 22nd, the Remote Desktop Gateway service (qdg.queensu.ca) will be updated to require the use of MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) protection through the Microsoft Authenticator Mobile App.

For remote users that employ remote desktop services to access servers or desktops on the Queen’s campus, the log-on process will look and feel the exact same. However, the log-on will continue to wait until you click “approve” via the Microsoft Authenticator push notification (Your mobile device running the Microsoft Authenticator App will ask you to Approve/Deny the authentication).

If you are not using the Microsoft Authenticator App as your primary method of MFA, you will no longer be able to use this service. This is an additional safeguard to adapt to today’s technological landscape. ITS recommends updating your primary MFA method to the Authenticator App. If this is not an option, please use the Campus VPN service to reach the campus network, from there Remote Desktop services can be used without the gateway service.

Please review the help documentation: “Remote Desktop Gateway Service - MFA” for more information.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the IT Support Centre.