2-Factor Authentication

What Is It?

2-Factor Authentication, commonly referred to as 2FA, is a method of confirming your claimed identity. With 2FA, you need “something you know” (NetID/password) along with “something you possess” (hardware token, passcode, phone, or message from a device you have set up with Duo). When you log in to a system requiring 2FA, you will need to authenticate that it is you with a push notification, passcode, phone call or text message on the device you set up with Duo.

Other Service Names

Two Factor Authentication, Multifactor Authentication, Duo

Features

2FA will protect both you and the university from unauthorized access to your personal (or university) data stored in the university's enterprise systems. 2FA provides a second layer of security to your University account making it difficult for an unauthorized person to access your information. 2FA provides better account protection than merely using a password. If your password is stolen or compromised, having 2FA set up will require the thief to also have possession of your registered device in order to access your account. Merely having your password is no longer enough to change your personal information.

Requirements

Currently, you are required to use 2-factor authentication (2FA) if you access any of the applications that require it for login or are part of a group that requires it. If you would like to add the additional layer of security to your account, you may enroll through the NetID Center.
 
Note:  Once enrolled, you will not be able to remove this feature from your account. You will be required to use 2FA for any applications that require it. More applications will utilize 2FA moving forward.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Students

Where Can I Get It?

Select the Manage 2FA button located on this page to access the University of Illinois NetID Center where you can register for and manage your 2FA preferences.

How Do I Use It?

Here is a 2FA quick guide to help you get started.

How Much Does It Cost?

There is no direct cost to clients unless electing to purchase and use a hardware token, available via the Webstore using either a credit card or a departmental CFOAP account.

How Can I Get Support?

If you are experiencing a problem with this service, please report it. If you just have a question, feel free to ask us.

Service Levels

Service Request Fulfillment Time Registration and updates of settings are processed automatically
Incident Resolution Time 2 business days
Service Availability 24x7
Maintenance Window(s) None
Service Notification Channel(s) IT Service Notices
 
Manage 2FA

Related Articles (4)

The University of Illinois uses a 2-Factor authentication (2FA) service provided by Duo Security, an industry leader in cyber security services. This will help secure your account and the University's sensitive data. The University of Illinois is committed to securing its institutional data and the personal information of everyone at the University.
The default 2FA options can incur data charges for text messages, phone calls, or accessing the Duo Mobile application while you are outside of the USA. However, there are options to avoid this.
Beginning March 21, 2023, clients began seeing the new Duo Universal Prompt when accessing certain web resources. These include Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and Shibboleth (Box, etc.) applications.
2-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security protection for your sensitive, personal university data.