Two-Factor Authentication
The College of St. Scholastica protects access to sensitive information by using two-factor authentication, also known as multi-factor authentication (MFA). We use MFA to provide an additional layer of security, which prevents anyone but you from accessing your account, even if they know your password.
Two is Better than One
Ever fall for a phishing email and wonder what the consequence are of entering your CSS username and password into a phony website?
The College of St. Scholastica gets thousands of malicious email attacks a day. Most attacks originate from compromised accounts. Verifying your identity using a second factor (like your phone or another device) prevents anyone but you from logging in, even if they know your password.
Employees and Students - How to Enroll Primary Device
Upon first login to a Duo-protected system, you will be prompted to enroll in Duo MFA. Please see the Duo First-time Enrollment article for step-by-step instructions.
- We recommend you select push notifications. The "push" option means that you will receive a notification directly to the Duo mobile app on your cell phone. This works over cell data or wifi!
- Complete your authentication by clicking "Approve" on your Duo app.
Duo Push - A Better Way to Authenticate
Duo Push is an authentication request you’ll receive as a notification on your smartphone. It’s quicker,
easier, more secure, and cheaper than receiving text messages or phone calls.
To use Duo Push, you will need to have the Duo Mobile app installed and activated.
Why is push the best authentication method?
- It’s quicker than a text or a phone call
- Authenticating with a text message requires waiting to receive the text, reading a passcode,
and then typing it in.
- Phone calls require actually answering the phone, listening to the recording, and using the dial
pad to approve the login.
- Duo Push is as simple as approving a notification on your smartphone.
- It’s more secure
- Duo Push uses cutting-edge end-to-end encryption that SMS and phone calls can’t.
- The Duo Push screen displays detailed information about the application and source device
that initiated the authentication request.
- It works over cellular data OR wifi! As long as you have a signal or are connected to the internet, you can receive Duo pushes.
Need Help?
Alumni and Recent Graduates
Alumni who graduated in August 2025 or earlier, see the Enrolling into Microsoft Authenticator MFA knowledge base article for enrollment details.
Recent graduates, please see the article Graduating Students - Account Access for more information regarding the shift from Duo to MS Authenticator.