What is Duo

Issue/Question

What is Duo Security

Environment

  • USD Accounts
  • Duo

Resolution

USD is committed to helping students, faculty and staff protect themselves online from serious threats such as losing a paycheck, a financial aid refund or even your own identity. To improve our security posture, we are incorporating Duo Security as a two-factor authentication solution into our existing IT infrastructure.

You can enroll in Duo at this time by visiting Signing Up for Duo MFA

What is Duo Security

Duo Security is a company that provides a cloud-based software service that utilizes two-factor authentication to ensure secure access to services and data.

What is two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication provides a second layer of security to any type of login, requiring extra information or a physical device to log in, in addition to your password. By requiring two different channels of authentication, we can protect user logins from remote attacks that may exploit stolen usernames and passwords.

The factors may include:
                

  • Something you know: A unique username and password
  • Something you have: A smartphone with an app to approve authentication requests
  • Something you are: Biometrics – such as your fingerprint or a retina scan


Why do we need two-factor authentication

Login credentials are more valuable than ever and are increasingly easy to compromise. More than 90 percent of breaches today involve compromised usernames and passwords.

Two-factor authentication enhances the security of your account by using a secondary device to verify your identity. This prevents anyone but you from accessing your account, even if they know your password.

How will Duo change my login experience

When logging in to an application that is protected by Duo, you will still enter your username and password. After inputting your login information, Duo requires you to complete a method of second-factor authentication.  You can set the computer to remember you for 30 days so you won't be required to authorize through Duo every time.

Duo does not replace or require you to change your username and password. Think of Duo as a layer of security added to your pre-existing login method.

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If you notice suspicious activity on your account or have reason to believe your USD Account or USD email has been hacked/compromised, seek help immediately.

Related Services / Offerings (1)

Two-factor authentication provides a second layer of security to any type of login, requiring extra information or a physical device to log in, in addition to your password. By requiring two different channels of authentication, we can protect user logins from remote attacks that may exploit stolen usernames and passwords.