Duo Multi-Factor Authentication

Duo is a multi-factor authentication tool chosen by Towson University to prevent data breaches, and to prove that you are you. This page provides self-help resources for using Duo at TU.

This service and vendor documentation are cloud hosted. Updates are not controlled by Towson University. TU-specific documentation is reviewed quarterly to bring it into alignment with the most recent version of the service or software.

Duo MFA: Project

Duo/Single Sign-On (SSO)

Status: underway as of Jan. 2023.
About the project: This project rolls out Duo to protect other TU systems and updates the Single Sign-On (SSO) experience. The overall effort modernizes TU’s SSO process, enhances security capabilities, improves the digital experience and streamlines systems and lays the foundation for future Duo enhancements. See all TU Today announcements for this project.

What is Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (Duo)?

Duo is a security method that requires a second form of identification to help you securely login to systems the university wants to strongly protect. This proves you initiated the login by providing a randomized, automatically generated number that authenticates you for a single login session.

Who uses Duo at TU?

All current faculty and staff are required to use Duo when using their NetID to access certain TU resources and authenticate their identity using both their password and enrolled mobile device. Students, student employees, retirees and Guest NetIDs are not eligible to use Duo at this time, except for accounts identified with access to confidential or sensitive information.

Services requiring Duo

Services include, but are not limited to Blackboard, Microsoft 365, Modern Campus CMS, Panopto, PeopleSoft HCM, Remote Desktop, Salesforce, Stratus Financials, Taleo, Towson Online Services and Zoom. This list is subject to change.

Get started

Use the NetID Management System to enroll or manage Duo devices, hardware tokens and emergency passcodes.

Duo and NetID Management

Self-Help Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I authenticate with my smart phone if I don't have a cell signal, data, or a reliable Wi-Fi connection?

You can use the Duo mobile app (available for smartphone or tablet) to generate passcodes even if you don't have an Internet, Wi-Fi, or a cellular connection.

My account is locked out from multiple bad attempts (or Duo is stating that "my session has expired"). What should I do?

The most common reason for your account to be locked out is from multiple incorrect NetID password attempts or multiple failed Duo login attempts in a row. Wait for your NetID and your Duo access to both automatically unlock after 10 minutes, or contact the OTS Faculty/Staff Help Center at 410-704-5151 for assistance.

I don't want to receive a Duo prompt every time I log in. How do I get Duo to remember me?

You can select the "Remember Me" option. This allows Duo to remember you, lessening the number of prompts you receive. You must be authenticating on the same computer/browser and must not clear browser cookies.

If I don't have a supported mobile device, what options do I have for using Duo?

You can use a landline (like an office or home phone) to authenticate with a phone call. In limited circumstances, a hardware token (a small keychain/electronic device that generates a passcode) can be requested by contacting the OTS Faculty/Staff Help Center.

Is the Duo mobile app free? When I try to get Duo from the Apple App Store, I’m asked for payment information.

Yes, the Duo mobile app is free. The Apple App Store requires payment information on record even when downloading a free app.

Support

For additional assistance with Duo, submit a TechHelp service request, or contact the OTS Faculty/Staff Help Center.