Multi-Factor Authentication

Protect your information with MFA. Here's the Why, When, and How.

The rise in cyber security attacks (e.g., phishing, ransomware) has created a need to further protect USD resources. An ID and a password are no longer enough to battle these crimes. By using modern Multi Factor Authentication technology (Duo), we can better determine that you are who you say you are, and are not a hacker with a stolen password. This technology has become the standard in most companies/universities and is now required by cyber security insurance providers.

How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Work?

Once you have enrolled in MFA, when you attempt to access any of the university's critical applications, you will be prompted to enter your username and password as usual (the first "factor"). You will then be taken to the Duo's MFA screen where you will select the device of your choice and the preferred method of verification — push notification, a phone call, or a passcode — you will use to verify that it's you (the second "factor" or multi-factor).

Who and What is Covered by MFA?

All active USD employees and students are required to use MFA (Duo).

  • How do I set up MFA for the first time?
  • How do I add a new device or manage an existing one?
  • What happens if I lose or change my device?
  • How long will my authentication last?
  • What is Two-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
  • Why Do I Need to Use MFA?
  • Am I required to use Multi-factor authentication?

    You are required to use Duo multi factor authentication when logging into many of the USD systems including, but not limited to: MySanDiego portal, Blackboard, Salesforce, Workday, Torero Mail, and VPN.

  • How long does it take to enroll/register a device for MFA?

    5 to 10 minutes.

  • How many devices can I add?

    There is no limit on the number of devices that can be added. We recommend that all users add at least two devices, such as a mobile device and a landline/Zoom phone.

  • Do I need to have a mobile device to use MFA?

    No, you can use a smartphone, cell phone, landline (such as your office or home phone), or tablet. A complete and up-to-date list of authentication methods is available on the MFA website. We recommend that users who have a smartphone choose to use them, since they are the easiest to use with MFA.

  • What if I forget my mobile device at home?

    We encourage users to set up multiple authentication devices with MFA, so that when one method is unavailable, you have others from which to choose. For example, you could set up your mobile device for "push" and also your office phone and home phone to do callback.

  • What happens if I lose my phone?

    Contact the ITS Help Desk immediately if you lose your phone or suspect that it's been stolen. The support specialist will disable it for MFA and help you log in using a one-time bypass code. While it's important that you contact the Help Desk if you lose your phone, remember that your password will still protect your account.

  • What happens if I upgrade or replace my phone with the same number?
  • What if I don't have a data plan on my phone or cellular service?
  • What is the user experience if you are using your phone or an iPad on a cellular network or on a non-USD Wi-Fi network and need to log in?

    You will be prompted to MFA as if you are on campus network. If the registered device is the same as the one being used to login, the Duo Mobile App will notify & prompt for confirmation and users can confirm access the usual way. Alternatively a secondary device can also be used to confirm the MFA.

  • How would one log into a USD application or Torero Mail on an airplane equipped with Wi-Fi?

    What would the experience be in this situation using a laptop, iPad, or phone? This experience will be the same no matter what off campus location you are trying to log in from. You will be required to authenticate with MFA. In the case where a push or text is not working, your phone will function like a token while in airplane mode generating a passcode every 30 seconds.

  • Can I use the Duo's Mobile App internationally?

    The MFA mobile device app is designed to work internationally. If you install the app, it can generate the required code without need of either a telephone signal or data plan, and it can do this anywhere in the world. If you have a signal and data plan, the app makes two-factor authentication as easy as a pushing a single button, but if you don't have one of those two things, you can use the app to generate a six digit code and enter that manually.

  • Can the system handle international phone numbers?

    Yes, MFA can handle international phone numbers. If entering an international phone number, you can leave a space between country code, city code, and the phone number.

  • Who is eligible to use DUO MFA?

    All active faculty, staff, and students are eligible to use Duo.

  • Do I have to download the Duo App?

    No, you can use a landline (such as your office or home phone) but we recommend that users who have a mobile device choose to use the Duo App, since it is the easiest to use with MFA.

  • Does DUO see my password?

    No, the university's identity system verifies your login and password internally as before and never sends it to Duo. Duo provides only the second factor—the "something you have." In fact, Duo knows just enough so it can do its job.

  • What if I have questions or concerns about the requirement to use 2FA?

    If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements to use Duo, please contact the ITS Help Desk.

  • Can I add multiple MFA Devices?
  • What Devices Can I Use?
  • I've selected to automatically send push notifications to my phone, but I need to authenticate using another device.
  • I've selected to automatically send push notifications to my phone, but I do not have that number anymore.