Microsoft Retiring Text and Voice Call MFA

To strengthen account security and reduce the risk associated with less-secure authentication methods, Microsoft is retiring SMS text messages and voice phone calls as Microsoft-provided methods for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

 Who is impacted?

This change only impacts users who currently use a text message or voice phone call to complete MFA. Users who already use another approved authentication method should continue using their current method.

 What is changing?

September 1, 2026

• Users who are enabled for text or voice authentication may begin seeing prompts to register a passkey when completing MFA.
• These prompts are part of Microsoft’s transition away from text and voice authentication.
• Text messages and voice calls will continue to work for MFA during this time.

 February 1, 2027

• Microsoft-provided text message and voice call authentication will be retired.
• Users will no longer be able to use these methods to complete MFA.
• Users will need to use an approved alternative authentication method, such as a passkey or Windows Hello for Business.

 What do users need to do?

Users who currently rely on text messages or voice calls for MFA should transition to an approved alternative authentication method before February 1, 2027 to avoid problems signing in.

 For more information about Microsoft’s retirement of SMS and voice authentication, see Microsoft's guidance here.

Cisco Network Authentication System Upgrade Rescheduled for Aug. 26

The Network Security team will complete a previously scheduled upgrade to the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. The upgrade was originally planned for Aug. 5 but could not be completed due to technical complications.

Cisco ISE helps devices securely connect to UNM Health wired and wireless networks. The upgrade will move the application to Cisco’s recommended software version, helping resolve current issues, add updated functionality, and support a secure, reliable network environment.

What to Expect:

The maintenance may affect Wi-Fi connections across all UNM Health campuses, including UNMH Lomas, UNMH Sandoval Regional Medical Center and UNM Health Sciences Center, as well as wired connections in the Critical Care Tower.

Most users are expected to experience little or no impact. Some users may experience:

• Brief Wi-Fi or wired network interruptions 
• Connection delays 
• Temporary network timeouts 

Thank you for your patience as the Network Security team completes this important upgrade.

8/11/26 - 8/12/26  VPN Upgrades 5 - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

VPN appliances will be updated.   No outages expected.

    Radiology VPN 8/11/ 5:30 - 8:30

    UNMH/HSC  VPN 8/12 5:30 - 8:30

3/3/26 - 5/30/26 Demise HSC_Secure Wirelesss Network  - Completed

Updates to the UNM_Health_Guest Network Portal, March 3 

 Beginning Tuesday, March 3, the UNM_Health_Guest Wi-Fi network will be updated to improve the connection experience while strengthening security and better protecting organizational and patient data. 

 The updated portal will offer two connection options: 

• General User Access – For visitors and non-employee users 

• Employee Access – Allows employees to sign in using UNM Health credentials through single sign-on (SSO) 

 With employee registration and SSO (Single Sign On) enabled, staff will no longer need to sign in multiple times, resulting in a smoother, more efficient connection experience. 

 Guest Wi-Fi at a Glance 

Is the Guest Wi-Fi secure? 
Yes. The guest network includes built-in protections such as device isolation, secure web traffic, and firewall rules to help keep connected devices safe. 

 What can I access on Guest Wi-Fi? 

• Internet 
• Tiger 
• Microsoft O365 web applications 
• Personal email 
• MFA authenticator apps 
• VPN and Citrix  

                Note: VPN access to UNMH resources requires BYOD enrollment 

 Why are we doing this? 

The guest network is intentionally open to support simpler access for our visitors and patients, as well as a wide variety of devices that need easy internet access, including kiosks, smart displays, and temperature monitors. 

 These improvements are made possible by the Network Security Team, whose behind-the-scenes work helps ensure a reliable, secure network — making patient care easier to deliver and allowing UNM Health to Deliver More for the people of New Mexico.

5/9/26 - Voice Over IP Phone System Updates  8:00am - 5:00 pm - Completed

The UNMH and UNM Data Networking teams will be doing maintenance on the VoIP network that supports VoIP phones throughout the Health System and Health Sciences Center.  The work must be done to ensure the reliability and availability of IT services and to mitigate the risk of a lengthy unplanned service outage. We have worked with key stakeholders to identify the best date for completing the work that will have the least impact on users. 

 We know there is no ideal time to perform this work, and we thank you in advance for your understanding of the need to maintain our systems and services. 

 Maintenance Window:

- May 9th, 2026, 8AM to 5PM

 During this time, Health System and Health Sciences Center users will experience an intermittent outage of phone service on VoIP phones only.  UNM Campus Police and 911 will be accessible during the scheduled maintenance and, if required, can be reached via your mobile device.

 For assistance with UNM IT services, please contact UNM IT Customer Support Services at 277-5757. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

5/4/26 - BYOD Windows Workstations Operating System Update 

The minimum operating system requirement for personal Windows workstations will be changed to Windows 11.    Personal Windows 10 workstations will no longer be able to directly access HSC resources.