What is two-factor authentication and Duo?
Two-factor authentication is a way of logging into your account that requires more than just your username and password combination. The main drawback of the username/password is that this combination is only a single piece of information that a malicious individual needs to obtain in order to compromise your account(s).
UMBC has partnered with Duo Security for two-factor authentication. UMBC implements this by adding an extra layer of security to your login procedure by requiring you to have in your possession something physical unique to you, such as a smartphone, your office phone, or even a tablet.
For more information on two-factor authentication as provided by Duo Security, go to http://guide.duosecurity.com
Who is eligible to use Duo and what services are supported?
Duo is currently available to UMBC faculty and staff. Duo has apps for iOS, Android, and Duo mobile also works with Blackberry, Palm, Windows 7, Windows Mobile, and J2ME/Symbian. Duo is checked whenever you authenticate using WebAuth or myUMBC. This also applies to systems such as PeopleSoft and services such as Box Microsoft Office, VPN and Google Apps (Drive). For those who are identified with having access to sensitive data, they are administratively enrolled into Duo.
How do I get started using Duo?
Getting started depends on whether you are enrolled into Duo automatically or opt in. For those enrolled automatically, refer to "I've been enrolled in Duo, how do I register my device?" as your next step involves logging into WebAuth or myUMBC. If you want to opt into Duo, refer to How do I activate Duo for my UMBC account? to get started in self enrolling into Duo through your UMBC account page.
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