Duo Security - University of Houston
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University Information Technology
2 factor authentication at UH - laptop and phone on desk

Two Factor Authentication with Duo Security

What is Two Factor Authentication (2FA)?

2FA dramatically improves the security of your data. 2FA requires you know something – like a password or account and you have something – like a phone.

Log In - Authenticate - Access

About Two Factor Authentication

2FA (two factor authentication): an additional layer of authentication beyond a username and password. 2FA involves something you know (password) plus something you have with you (like Duo Mobile on your smartphone) to prevent someone from logging in with only your password. With Duo 2FA, you still enter your username and password. The second factor provided by Duo is simply an added layer of security on top of your existing credentials.

When will I be prompted for 2FA?  
Follow these instructions for how to enroll in the DUO app as a first-time user. When you log in for the first time with a new browser or device you will use 2FA to confirm that it is you. If you select the "Yes, this is my device" option, you will not need to use 2FA to confirm your identity on that browser again for 30 days.

What authentication method is right for me?

Main Two-Factor Authentication Page

Select:

Authentication Method Recommended
Duo Push if you prefer using a mobile app, download the Duo Mobile App
[Hint] Push notifications are the fastest way to confirm your identity but requires you to run the DUO mobile app on your smartphone.
Passcode if you prefer to enter codes created within the Duo Mobile App or using a hardware token purchased from the Cougarbyte store.
[Hint] Passcode doesn't require you to be online but requires a special device or mobile app on your phone 		 
Passcode if you prefer receiving SMS texts to your smartphone. Click Text message passcode to have a new passcode texted to your phone.
[Hint] Most people are accustomed to receiving a text message with a code, it doesn't require a mobile app.
If you only want to receive SMS messages, when adding a new mobile device, select 'Phone number'

Main 2 Factor Authentication Phone Number Text Passcode

What device should I select? 

Main Two-Factor Authentication Page Adding Device Type 

 

  Push Text Passcode Biometric USB Key
Android - Phone check mark check mark check mark    
Android - Tablet check mark   check mark    
iOS - iPhone check mark  check mark check mark    
iOS - iPad check mark   check mark    
Hardware Token
(contact software@uh.edu)
     check mark    
Security Key         check mark
Touch ID       check mark  

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the Duo mobile app free?

    Yes, Duo mobile is free to download from the Apple Store, Google Play Store and Windows app store. 

  • How do I remove my University of Houston account in the Duo mobile app in Android?

    1. Open the Duo mobile app. 
    2. Press the Duo-Protected University of Houston account.  
    3. Click the ellipses (the three dots).
    4. Select Delete.   

  • Why is my Duo mobile app saying it detected security issues with my device?

    Your device or Duo mobile app may need a software update. Click on the pop-up in your Duo mobile app to see what needs to be updated.

  • I received an email with the Two-Factor Authentication link to pair my device with my Duo mobile app. What should I do?

    Open the email with the same device you are trying to pair with the Duo mobile app.

  • I installed the Duo mobile app, but it isn't working for me.

    Please see Duo mobile's trouble shooting tips for assistance. If you are still unable to get the Duo mobile app to work contact the UIT help desk.

  • I want to receive an automatic Duo Push Notification for Two-Factor Authentication. How should I set this up?

    To enroll your device to receive an automatic DUO push notification see the instructions for each of the following devices:

    A DUO push will be sent automatically to your device after the enrollment process is complete. 

  • I do not like using mobile phone apps and DUO Authentication seems complicated. Is there another authentication method I can use that does not require me to download an app?

    Request a passcode or purchase a hardware token at the CougarByte store in person or on their website for $24. Once purchased, please contact the IT Support Center to make arrangements for pick up:  



    Please bring your receipt or the order confirmation when picking up the Duo hardware token. Contact the IT Support Center at 713-743-1411 or use Live Chat if you have any questions or need assistance. 

  • I removed my device and added a new one, but the barcode isn't working in the Duo mobile app.

    If you need the bar code to complete the installation for the Duo mobile app, please contact the IT Support center at 713-743-1411 or via Live Chat.

  • How do I remove my University of Houston account in the Duo mobile app on an iPhone or Windows phone?

    1. Tap Edit in the upper left corner of the app.  
    2. Tap the red delete icon to the left of the Duo-Protected University of Houston account.  
    3. Tap "Delete", and confirm the deletion. 

  • I removed my Duo-Protected University of Houston account on my phone and now I want to reactivate it. How can I do that?

    You will need to re-enroll to reactivate DUO. For steps on how to enroll, select the device type you are using: