Passwords are increasingly easy to compromise. They can often be stolen, guessed, or hacked — you could be locked out of your account, or you might not even know someone is accessing it.
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This article describes what Two-factor Authentication (2FA) is, why the University of Waterloo uses it and how to get started to enrol in 2FA. For complete information about 2FA at UWaterloo, please review IST’s two-factor webpage: https://uwaterloo.ca/twoTwo-factor - authentication/.
This article includes:
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What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA), also known as multi-factor authentication, is the process of authenticating to an online service using something you know as the first factor (i.e. a password) and something you physically have as the second factor. Traditionally, the second authentication factor would be a physical fob or token, with the most popular form having a six-digit display.
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Many central online services at the University of Waterloo require two-factor authentication for access. You will need to enrol in 2FA before being able to access these services. |
Why is Waterloo doing this?
Password-based attacks account for most of the cyber-attacks against the University. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic increase in phishing attacks against UW, and because people frequently re-use passwords, breaches at other sites can still impact the University because of a related attack called “credential stuffing”. In short, the password alone is obsolete. Stronger authentication is required for services on the public Internet. See:
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Authenticate with 2FA
First-time Enrollment in Duo https://guide.duo.com/universal-prompt#enrollment
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The app is available for iOS and Android devices, with or without cellular access
While an Internet connection is required for adding the device to a user’s Duo account, the app can be used to generate OTP codes even when cellular data or Wi-Fi networks are not available
The app is simple to register and use. It functions in various modes, with or without cellular data or Wi-Fi connection
Any Duo-protected application can be authenticated with the app. It is not necessary to disclose the phone number for a smartphone to use the app
System requirements
Duo Mobile System Requirements
Android: the current version of Duo Mobile supports Android 10.0 and greater. Duo recommends upgrading to the most recent version of Android available for your device. We cannot ensure compatibility of Duo Mobile with custom variants or distributions of Android. More information from DUO: Duo Mobile on Android
iPhone: The current version of Duo Mobile supports iOS 14.0 and greater. More information from DUO: Duo Mobile on iOS
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Optional: You may add multiple Duo Mobile devices to your 2FA account. The Duo Mobile app is available for recent Android (phone, tablet) and iOS (iPhone, iPad) devices. Duo Mobile can also be installed and set up on Chromebooks.
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Download the Duo Mobile app onto your mobile device
From your app store install the “Duo Mobile” app by Duo Security
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Need help?Contact the IST Service Deskonline or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357. |
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