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Duo MFA Enrollment & Usage Guide

What is Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor Authentication, or “MFA” for short, is a process that protects an account by using different “factors” or types of authentication in an account login process. The common factors are “something you know” (i.e. an account password), “something you have” (i.e. a device like a cell phone), and “something you are” (i.e. a fingerprint).

Your NetID password is the first factor when logging into an application or service. However, passwords are often deficient for a variety of reasons. So by introducing a second authentication factor, we are able to help you protect your account and University resources at the same time. When logging into an MFA enabled service, you must have your additional factor available to you.

Many campus applications and services require MFA and more are added regularly, particularly those that house sensitive data.

What is Duo?

Duo is the cloud based service currently being used to facilitate the “something you have” factor in our MFA process.

Before you can use Duo you will need to register at least one device with the Duo service. The Duo enrollment process establishes an account with Duo and links your NetID to one or more physical devices that you will use as your additional factor of authentication.

Duo Authentication Methods

Duo supports a number of methods for an additional factor of authentication:

  1. Smartphone or tablet [1] running the Duo Mobile app. If you have a smartphone or tablet, it is highly recommended you enroll the device and install the Duo Mobile app. This is the most common and convenient way to validate your additional factor. The app allows you to receive a “push” notification to your device and does not incur any text messaging charges. Alternatively, you can obtain a 6-digit passcode from the Duo Mobile app to enter.
  2. A “non-smart” cellular phone. A cellular phone that cannot run the Duo Mobile app but is able to receive SMS text messages may be used. Duo will send a 6-digit passcode. (Text messaging fees may apply depending on your service contract.)
  3. A landline telephone. Duo can call a landline to provide a 6-digit passcode.

Note: Montclair State University will never share the information entered in the device enrollment process, including cell phone and landline number(s), with other internal or external services.