Set up Multi-Factor Authentication with Duo

Overview

The University of Alaska (UA) System uses Cisco's Duo Security  ("Duo" for short) as the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for securing UA online services. By setting up MFA, you add an extra layer of security to your UA account sign-in.

In this article:

• Requirements
• How do I use this technology?
  • Install the Duo Mobile app
  • First Time Enrollment for New Students/Employees
  • Enroll a New Device for Current Students/Employees
  • Configure Duo
  • Activate Duo Mobile
• Next Steps
• Is there any additional information I should know about?
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Need additional help or have issues

Requirements

• Active in the UA System
  • Students who have registered for at least 1 credit through UAOnline within the past year, or
  • Employees with an active job status
• UA username and current UA password.
  • If you forgot your UA username or password, please visit the ME.UAA account recovery website.
• Internet access
• Web browser (i.e. Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, etc)
• Desktop or laptop computer
• An Apple or Android smartphone, tablet, or another mobile device you regularly keep with you.
  • Which versions of Apple's iOS does Duo Mobile support?
  • Which versions of Android does Duo Mobile support?
    Note

    The Duo Mobile app is the recommended device to use for MFA as it provides the best user experience. Other supported options include security keys, hardware tokens, iOS/Android Biometrics, and others. If you do not have access to any of the supported options, please contact the UAA IT Technical Support Center for possible alternatives.

How do I use this technology?

Install the Duo Mobile app

This process involves setting up the Duo Mobile app for Apple or Android mobile phones or tablets.

1. Install the Duo Mobile App for your mobile phone or tablet by visiting the links below:
   • Apple App Store
   • Google Play Store
2. Once installed, go to the next appropriate sections if you are a new or current student or employee:
   • First Time Enrollment for New Students/Employees
   • Enroll a New Device for Current Students/Employees

First Time Enrollment for New Students/Employees

If you are a new student or employee in the UA System, follow these next steps. Otherwise, for current students/employees needing to enroll a new device, go to the Enroll a New Device for Current Students/Employees section.

1. On a desktop or laptop computer with an internet connection, open your preferred web browser.
2. Log in to any online service such UAOnline, Blackboard, Google Workspace @ UA, etc.
3. At the Duo prompt, click the Next button to continue.
   
    
4. Click the Next button.
   
    
5. Click the Next button again.
   
    
6. Proceed to the next section, Configure Duo.

Enroll a New Device for Current Students/Employees

For current students/employees needing to enroll a new device.

1. On a desktop or laptop computer with an internet connection, open your preferred web browser.
2. Log in to any online service such UAOnline, Blackboard, Google Workspace @ UA, etc.
3. At the Duo prompt, click Other options at the bottom.
   
    
4. Click Manage Devices at the bottom of the prompt.
   
    
5. Choose an authentication method.
   
    
6. Once authenticated, the page will redirect you to the Manage Devices page.
7. Click inside the Add a device box.
   
    
8. Proceed to the next section, Configure Duo.

Configure Duo

1. On the Select an option prompt, click the Duo Mobile option.
   
    
2. Enter your mobile phone number, or click I have a tablet if you would like to set up a tablet that you regularly keep with you.
   
    
3. If you are setting up a tablet, skip to step 9.
4. Click the Continue button.
5. Select Yes, it's correct button to continue or No, I need to change it if incorrect.
   
    
6. Click Call my phone button to confirm ownership via phone call. 
   
    
7. Enter the passcode.
8. Click the Verify button.
   
    
9. If you have not downloaded the Duo Mobile app yet, download it the by clicking the links in the prompt, visiting the links below, or searching them through your device's app store.
   1. Apple App Store
   2. Google Play Store
      
       
10. Click the Next button once you have Duo Mobile installed.
11. A QR code will appear on your computer's screen. Continue to the next section to activate Duo Mobile.
    
     

Activate Duo Mobile

1. On your mobile device, open the Duo Mobile app.
2. Tap the blue Continue button at the bottom of the screen.
   
    
3. In the Add account page, tap the blue Use QR code button.
   
    
4. Scan the barcode on your computer's screen using your mobile device's camera
   
    
5. If you cannot scan the barcode, click the Get an activation link on your computer.
   1. Open the link from the email on your mobile device.
   2. The link should switch you back to the Duo Mobile app automatically on your mobile device.
6. Once scanned or activated, it will take you to the Name account page. Naming your account is optional. Click the Save text at the bottom of the prompt to continue.
   
    
7. Congratulations, your Duo MFA device is set up and ready to use.
   
    
8. Back on your computer's screen, you will receive an Added Duo Mobile prompt. Click the Continue button to proceed.
   
    
9. We recommend setting up an additional Duo MFA device as a backup, but you can click Skip for now to add one later.
   
    
10. Success, Duo is now fully set up on your account. Click the Log in with Duo button to test Duo Mobile.
    
     
11. On your mobile device, you should have received a Duo Push notification. Tap Approve to confirm your login attempt.
    
     
12. When you approve the Duo Push, your screen should look like this:
    
     
13. MFA setup is complete.

Next Steps

We recommend setting up an additional Duo MFA device as a backup. To add another compatible Duo MFA device, please visit the Add a New Device to Duo article.

Is there any additional information I should know about?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Multi-Factor Authentication FAQs article provides answers to the following FAQs and more:

• How long will MFA remain active on my account?
• What if I'm getting an MFA prompt (Duo Push or phone call) but I didn't try to log in?
• I get an error on my phone. Account Error Something unexpected happened. Please contact your helpdesk. NSURLErrorDomain -999/-1200

For more information and resources about MFA, please visit our Knowledge Base catalog, Multi-factor Authentication.
 

Need additional help or have issues

For support, requests may be submitted anytime using the appropriate Questions or Assistance with Multi-Factor Authentication form. Requests generate a Ticket which will be worked in order received and urgency by UAA Employees with the knowledge and permissions to assist with the request.

For immediate assistance please review the Contact Us page for the appropriate support group.