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.
Note
- Starting February 19 through March 21, early MFA opt-in will be rolled out to all active UAA students.
- Starting March 22, MFA enforcement will be rolled in waves to all active UAA students.
- Starting April 19, MFA will be enforced for all active UAA students.
In this article:
Requirements
- Active at the UA System
- Students registered for at least 1 credit through UAOnline, 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.
How do I use this technology?
Important
Before you proceed with the instructions, please review them carefully to ensure that you do not skip any steps or encounter any issues.
Install the Duo Mobile app
This process involves setting up the Duo Mobile app for Apple or Android mobile phones or tablets.
- Install the Duo Mobile App for your phone
- Proceed with enabling Duo MFA
Enable MFA
Active UA employees (including UA student employees) can skip to the Install the Duo Mobile app section.
- On a desktop or laptop computer with an internet connection, open your preferred web browser.
- Go to https://me.uaa.alaska.edu website.
- Log in using the first button option, Username/ID# & Password.
- Once you are logged in, click the Security Settings link located on the bottom-right of the page.
- In the middle of the Security Settings page, click the Enable multi-factor authentication button.
- Once enabled, this next page will load. Click the Return to security settings button.
- Back in the middle of the Security Settings page again, click the Test multi-factor authentication button.
- Proceed to the next section below, Install the Duo Mobile app.
Configure Duo
This process involves setting up the Duo Mobile app for Apple or Android mobile phones or tablets.
- On a desktop or laptop computer with an internet connection, me.UAA will prompt you to set up Duo. Click the Next button to continue.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Next button again.
- On the Select an option prompt, click the Duo Mobile option.
- 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.
- If you are setting up a tablet, skip to step 12.
- Click the Continue button.
- Select Yes, it's correct button to continue or No, I need to change it if incorrect.
- Click Call my phone button to confirm ownership via phone call.
- Enter the passcode.
- Click the Verify button.
- Download the Duo Mobile app by clicking the links in the prompt, visiting the links below, or searching them through your device's app store.
- Duo Mobile in the Apple App Store (for iOS version 12+).
- Duo Mobile in Google Play (for Android version 8+).
- Click the Next button once you have Duo Mobile installed.
- A QR code will appear on your computer's screen. Continue to the next section to activate Duo Mobile.
Activate Duo Mobile
- On your mobile device, open the Duo Mobile app.
- Tap the blue Continue button at the bottom of the screen.
- In the Add account page, tap the blue Use QR code button.
- Scan the barcode on your computer's screen using your mobile device's camera
- If you cannot scan the barcode, click the Get an activation link on your computer.
- Open the link from the email on your mobile device.
- The link should switch you back to the Duo Mobile app automatically on your mobile device.
- 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.
- Congratulations, your Duo MFA device is set up and ready to use.
- Back on your computer's screen, you will receive an Added Duo Mobile prompt. Click the Continue button to proceed.
- We recommend setting up an additional Duo MFA device as a backup, but you can click Skip for now to add one later.
- Success, Duo is now fully set up on your account. Click the Log in with Duo button to test Duo Mobile.
- On your mobile device, you should have received a Duo Push notification. Tap Approve to confirm your login attempt.
- When you approve the Duo Push, your screen should look like this:
- MFA setup is complete. Please sign out of the ME.UAA website once you are finished.
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)
This article provides answers to the following FAQs and more: Multi-Factor Authentication FAQs
- 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 section, 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.