Security / Government blocks affect access to Miami services

Objective

• To provide instruction on troubleshooting a blocked Miami service when traveling abroad

Environment

• University Sites, Apps & Content Management
• Security
• 10262: Gmail (email e-mail)
• 312306: Duo Security two-factor authentication

Cause

• China periodically blocks many websites from within the country
  • Gmail is often blocked
  • Duo functionality is also disrupted in China
    • Review: Use Duo while in China
• The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) maintains a list of sanctions programs in place. Some services may not be available from OFAC locations
  • Duo functionality is not available from OFAC locations

Resolution

To test if China is blocking a site:

1. Use the Comparitech web tool to test if a website is blocked in China 
2. Enter the URL you are trying to access in the Test your site box (e.g., mail.MiamiOH.edu)
3. Select Test
4. The results will let you know whether the site is currently blocked

To check if a location is on the OFAC list:

• Use the Department of Treasury's OFAC list to determine if a location may be blocked by OFAC restrictions