Two-Factor Authentication Frequently Asked Questions

Two-factor authentication strengthens access security by requiring two methods to verify your identity.  These methods can include something you know -- like a username and password, plus something you have -- like a smartphone app to approve authentication requests.

• For more information please visit the Duo User Guide, HERE

You may also try out the Duo Mobile Universal Prompt Demo on the official Duo Webpage, HERE

Two-factor authentication helps fight against phishing, social engineering and password brute force attacks and helps to secure your logins from attackers exploiting weak or stolen credentials.

• Due to the number of attempted and successful account compromises UW has increased account security by putting in two factor to protect your personal data and institutional systems.

You may use the following devices for the second authentication step:

• Smartphones (i.e., Android or iPhone)

• Tablets (i.e., Samsung, iPad, etc...)

• Digital Security Key (i.e., Yubikey Fob)

All faculty, staff, students and affiliates are required to use two-factor authentication to access University resources from off campus.

• To increase your account security, the University of Wyoming is augmenting the thing you "know" (your username and password) with a Two-Factor Authentication platform called Duo security, which allows you to use a mobile phone app and other capabilities to protect your personal data and institutional systems you use.

You may use a Digital Security Key (i.e., Yubikey) for the second authentication step

• Digital Security Keys are NOT provided through the UWIT Help Desk.  

• If you do have a digital security key and it is no longer working or you are needing to get a digital security key you will be required to purchase your own key, for this to find out what type of Yubikey you may need please go, HERE 

  • You may purchase the YubiKey through Yubico or Amazon following the provided links: 
    • A-Type: Yubico Link | Amazon Link 
    • C-Type: Yubico Link | Amazon Link

Identity Verification Is Needed. Please call the UWIT Help Desk at 307-766-4357, option 1 with a photo ID (passport, drivers license, WyoOne ID, etc...) ready for when you are asked to join a zoom call to verify your face with your respective ID

Identity Verification Is Needed. Please call the UWIT Help Desk at 307-766-4357, option 1 with a photo ID (passport, drivers license, WyoOne ID, etc...) ready for when you are asked to join a zoom call to verify your face with your respective ID

When first setting up your UW Account, if you are on a device with biometric verification capabilities (Touch ID or Face ID) it will suggest to use this option

• Disadvantages: Using Biometric Verification (Touch/Face ID) limits your UW access to only access it through that specific device

• How to Fix: Identity Verification Is Needed. Please call the UWIT Help Desk at 307-766-4357, option 1 with a photo ID (passport, drivers license, WyoOne ID, etc...) ready for when you are asked to join a zoom call to verify your face with your respective ID 

If you do not have a device that can install the Duo Mobile App and you are an Active Faculty/Staff/Student needing access to your resources long-term. 

• Please navigate to Selecting and using a security key (i.e., YubiKey) article and follow the provided instructions 

By the University's policy, Bypass Codes are only given out under EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES:

• If you have an extreme circumstance, please reach out to the UWIT Help Desk at 307-766-4357, option 1 to discuss further  

If you would like to enroll an additional device(s) to your Two-Factor after you have already connected at least one device you may follow the steps provided HERE

Duo Mobile push works anywhere with Internet connectivity.

• We highly recommend that you register your phone as a tablet device 

  • Benefits: You will not lose access to your Duo Mobile Application function when switching SIM Card 

• The Duo Application may be installed on apple and android tablets.

• YubiKey is a key fob that can be purchased as the secondary authentication.

  • If this option is of interest, please navigate to Selecting and using a security key (i.e., Yubikey) for more information

• If these options do not sound like they will work in your situation, please call the UWIT Help Desk at 307-766-4357, option 1 for further assistance.

• Two-Factor Authentication is required to be able to access UW resources off the UW Network.

  • Benefits: The university uses Two-Factor Authentication to protect both your data and the overall university community.

• You MAY NOT Opt Out

• There is a minimum OS your device to ensure it properly supports the Duo Mobile Application  

  • Android Devices: Android 12.0 and greater 

    • More Information on Android OS, HERE 

  • iOS Devices: iOS 17.0 and greater 

    •  More Information on iOS, HERE

If your Duo Mobile Application seems to have been deactivated on device you've used previously or got a new device with the same phone number:

•  Please email userhelp@uwyo.edu and provide your UW Username, phone number, type of phone, and consent to receive a new activation link via SMS  

If your Duo Mobile Application is not yet connected or you have a new phone number (on old or new device): 

• Please call the UWIT Help Desk at 307-766-4357, option 1 with a physical ID (WyoOne ID, Drivers License, Passport, etc..). Once you call you will be asked to join us in a Zoom call so we may verify your identity and update the phone number on Duo

If your Digital Security Key (i.e., YubiKey Fob) doesn't seem to be working: 

• Please navigate to the Selecting and using a security key (i.e., Yubikey) article for more information and to ensure it is enrolled properly 

  • If Digital Security Key has been properly enrolled and still encountering issues, please email userhelp@uwyo.edu and provide your UW Username, the type of security key, the last time it worked, and any errors you may be encountering

It is strongly recommended that you enroll more than one device, such as a cell phone, cell phone as a tablet, tablet, iPad, etc.

• Benefits: If primary device becomes unavailable, you will have a backup device to still access Two Factor Authentication