MSU's new identity and access management (IAM) platform and login portal, powered by Rapid Identity, will go live on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. This FAQ is to provide information and answer any questions you have about the new login portal.
As we move closer to our implementation dates, this FAQ will be updated with more detailed information.
What is identity and access management and why do we need it?
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a framework of policies, processes, and technologies that help organizations manage digital identities and access to information systems and resources. In simpler terms, IAM is about ensuring that the right people have access to the right resources at the right time and for the right reasons. IAM is crucial for universities to ensure the security, compliance, efficiency, and collaboration of their digital environment. To this end, Murray State University has chosen Rapid Identity as our new IAM platform and identity portal.
Over the years, Murray State University has taken many steps toward a true single sign-on (SSO) solution for all of our systems. Moving to Rapid Identity, our new login portal, is our biggest step to achieve true SSO for all of our systems. Beginning September 12, 2023, nearly all of MSU's systems (including myGate, Canvas, RacerMail, Parking, etc) will be accessible from the login portal and use the same credentials. The majority of our systems will be integrated into the new portal, with the remaining ones being integrated as quickly as possible.
How will I benefit from the new identity portal?
After successfully logging into and authenticating with the new login portal you will be presented with a dashboard for all of our SSO services currently available. From within this dashboard, you can access the systems you have permission to, update your Murray State password, and more.
Newly admitted students and newly hired employees will be able to claim their accounts without having to call the Service Desk. All users will be able to reset their password at their convenience without having to call the Service Desk or setup this service ahead of time.
How do I access my account for the first time?
Current students and employees
On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, all current students and employees will receiving an email from "noreply@rapididentity.com" with the subject "Welcome to MSU’s New Account Portal" which will contain instructions for claiming your account. Once you claim your account and set a new password, you'll be done!
New employees and new admitted students
Beginning Wednesday, July 5, 2023, all newly hired employees and newly admitted students will receive an email to their personal email address (the email address they applied with). This email will be from "noreply@rapididentity.com" with the subject "Welcome to your Murray State account!" which will contain instructions for claiming your account. New users will claim their account, set a password, set up Duo authentication.
Will my username and email address be changing?
Nope! Your username and email address will not be changing!
Will I have to change my password?
Yes! As part of the account claim process, you will be prompted to change your password. Although we aren't changing our current password requirements, we haven't prompted anyone to change their password since 2020 when we moved to our current password requirements. Some individuals have changed their passwords since then, and some have not. This is a great time to refresh your password.
What if I forget my password? How can I reset it?
If you have forgotten your password, you will go to the login portal, click on "Need help?" and then click on the "Forgot My Password" button. From there, it will be easy to reset your password on your own. More information about this coming soon!
Will the new login portal affect the way I access my email or other applications I use daily?
Yes and no. Beginning September 12, you can access all your applications, including email, from the login portal. However, if you continue to access the systems as you always have, either from links on https://www.murraystate.edu/ or by typing in the application's URL directly (like https://mygate.murraystate.edu/), you will still have to use the login portal to authenticate, but then you will be redirected back to the application you are trying to access.
How can I see what applications or systems I have access to through the new login portal?
When you go to the login portal and successfully authenticate, you will be immediately presented with a dashboard displaying icons (shortcuts) to each application or system you have permissions to.
What do I do if I no longer need access to a certain application or system?
Most likely, access to a system will be revoked once your job or status at Murray State changes. We have provided more information about account durations in our Accounts, Usernames, and Passwords Guide article.
Will the new IAM solution affect the way I sign into web services or social media accounts outside of work?
Murray State University does not recommend using your @murraystate.edu email account for services outside of Murray State, such as social media accounts, shopping accounts, bank accounts, etc. Therefore, non-MSU systems will not use the new login portal for authentication. Please keep in mind that employees and students at Murray State will not retain indefinite access to MSU resources (like email) after they leave MSU. More information about account durations can be found in our Accounts, Usernames, and Passwords Guide article.
How often will I be prompted to change my password, and how complex does it need to be?
When you claim your account, you will be prompted to change your password. Passwords will continue to follow our existing password requirements.
What do I do if I suspect someone has unauthorized access to my account?
Contact the Service Desk immediately! If you can still access the login portal, change your password immediately, making sure to use a never-before-used password. If you receive a Duo push or a Duo text code that you weren't expecting and didn't initiate, deny the attempt and contact the Service Desk immediately. The Service Desk can be reached at 270-809-2346 or msu.servicedesk@murraystate.edu.
How do I get help with the new login portal?
If you have trouble accessing the login portal, claiming your account, or navigating the portal, please contact the Service Desk at 270-809-2346 or msu.servicedesk@murraystate.edu.