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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) : Getting Started

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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
Getting Started   

 

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Why am I being asked to complete MFA?

Available Authentication Methods

 

Registration Steps for New Users

Registering Other Devices

 

 

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Authentication is the process by which a system determines that you are who you claim to be.

There are multiple factors of authentication, which can be broken down into categories like such:

When you use more factors of authentication, the system can be more confident that you are who you claim to be, leading to better security.

For example, your password might be comprised when a web site gets hacked, but with multi-factor authentication that password is useless without your mobile phone.

 

Why am I being asked to complete MFA?

To better protect the security of your online information, the university has implemented MFA using the Duo product. This system will come up when you log into any university web application protected by MFA.

Before you can complete the authentication process, you will need to enroll a device. The recommended device is a smartphone or tablet, such as an iPhone or Android device.

If you have not enrolled a device please follow the instructions below. You will need your chosen device handy to complete this process.

 

Available Authentication Methods

Method Description
Duo Push Pushes a request to your phone or tablet (if you have the Duo Mobile application installed and activated on your iOS, Android, or Windows Phone device). Just review the request and tap Approve.
Call Me Receive a phone call and follow the instructions.
Enter a Passcode Enter a passcode, generated with the Duo Mobile application, sent to you via SMS text, or generated by your hardware token. Click Send codes to get a new batch of passcodes texted to your phone. 
Use Touch ID

In order to use Apple Touch ID, make sure you have the following:

Use Security Key

Authenticate with a touch of a button (no passcode needed).

The generic term is "security key" and one example is the YubiKey, a product made by YubiCo.

  • Specifically configured security keys for the university's MFA service can be purchased at the Campus Computer Store.
  • Product information is available at: https://www.yubico.com/.

Note regarding security keys: 

  • Security keys sold by the Campus Computer Store are configured for the university's MFA service and are incompatible with the YubiCloud OTP validation infrastructure.
  • Not consistently supported in Chrome (known to work in Edge, Firefox, and Safari).
  • Some models do not work with UTLogin - a good reason to have multiple authentication methods.

 

Registration Steps for New Users

The first step in registration is to enroll your device using your UT EID.

The device you enroll will be used when you are prompted to authenticate by university web applications protected by MFA (e.g., Workday).

The instructions below will guide you through the setup.

1. Click HERE to go to the Self-Registration Portal.

 

2. Sign on with your UT EID and EID password.

Screenshot of the "Sign in with your UT EID" prompt.

 

3. Select the "Start Setup" button.

 Screenshot of the "Protect Your University of Texas at Austin Account" prompt.

 

4. Next, select "Mobile Phone" or "Landline".

Screenshot of the "What type of device are you adding?" prompt.

 

5. Input your number, verify that it is correct, and hit continue. 

Screenshot of the "Enter your phone number" prompt. 

 

6. If you chose "landline" you are all setup and ready to go. If you chose "mobile phone," specify your device type and hit continue. 

Screenshot of the "What type of phone is...?" prompt. 

 

7. If you already have the Duo Mobile application installed on your phone, select "I have Duo Mobile Installed".

  • If you have not installed the Duo Mobile application, select that option.

Screenshot of the "Install Duo Mobile" prompt with the "I have Duo Mobile installed" button highlighted.

 

8. A QR code will appear. Open Duo Mobile.  Tap the "+" button. Scan the QR code on the screen.

Screenshot of the "Active Duo Mobile" prompt with a sample QR code displayed.

 

Registering Other Devices

For help registering other devices with Duo, please visit our Device Management article in the link below: