{"id":25393,"date":"2025-04-23T14:47:17","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T18:47:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/information-technology\/?page_id=25393"},"modified":"2026-02-23T16:12:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T21:12:51","slug":"duo-mfa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/information-technology\/security\/duo-mfa\/","title":{"rendered":"Duo MFA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Return to Information Security Home<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)<\/strong> is a service that adds an extra layer of protection to user accounts by requiring additional steps of verification before granting access.<\/p>\n

This helps prevent unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised.<\/p>\n

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What is MFA?<\/div>
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MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)<\/strong> is a security process that requires users to provide two or more forms of verification to access an account or system. These factors typically fall into three categories:<\/p>\n

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  1. Something You Are<\/strong> \u2013 A username, NetID, or Biometrics such a fingerprint or facial recognition<\/li>\n
  2. Something You Know<\/strong> \u2013 A password or PIN<\/li>\n
  3. Something You Have<\/strong> \u2013 A phone, security hardware key\/token, or authentication app (Duo)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    By requiring multiple factors, MFA makes it harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your account, even if they have your password.<\/p>\n

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    Why Do We Need It?<\/div>
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    Duo MFA<\/strong> is important because it adds an extra layer of security to your university accounts, protecting them from hackers and phishing attacks.<\/p>\n

    Here\u2019s why it matters:<\/p>\n

    1. Protects Against Stolen Passwords<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If someone gets your password (through phishing, weak credentials, or other means), they still can\u2019t access your account without an additional authentication factor.<\/p>\n

    2. Easy and Fast Verification<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Duo makes multi-factor authentication simple by sending notifications to your phone. Using duo push, enter the code on your computer screen into the Duo Mobile App when prompted. If you are using mobile codes, the code in your Duo App is entered on your computer screen.<\/p>\n

    3. Stops Unauthorized Access<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If someone tries to log in to your account from an unknown device, Duo will alert you, giving you the chance to deny access and report the fraud activity back to a Duo administrator, keeping your information safe.<\/p>\n

    4. Works Across Multiple Services<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Duo mobile app can be used to protect other types of accounts beyond the university NetID\u00a0 account. When setting up MFA for banking, shopping, personal email accounts, or social media, use Duo when it is offered.<\/p>\n

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    Authentication Options<\/div>
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    Recommended\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

    Smartphone\/Tablet<\/strong>: This is the most common, convenient, and secure method of using Duo.<\/p>\n