Multifactor Authentication Assistance

Tags Duo MFA MSAuth

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

  1. CSS user accounts will be pre-enrolled into Duo in batches over the coming months. When it is time for you to complete your Duo enrollment, you will receive an email from Duo Security (no-reply@duosecurity.com) with a unique enrollment link.
  2. Click the enrollment link in your Duo Security enrollment email.
    • Follow the screen prompts on the enrollment web page.
    • Once you have gone through the enrollment wizard, your account will be Duo-activated within 1-3 days.
    • Please note: 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.
    • Complete your authentication by clicking "Approve" on your Duo app.
  3. Remember!
    • Once you sign up, you will need your Duo-enrolled device when you log into most CSS systems.

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.

Don't get stuck if you forget your phone!

Need Help?

Alumni and Recent Graduates

Please see the Enrolling into Microsoft Authenticator MFA knowledge base article for enrollment details.

Recent graduates, please see the article Recent Graduates - Enrolling into MS Authenticator for more information regarding the shift from Duo to MS Authenticator.