Duo Two-factor Authentication Frequently Asked Questions for Students
Q. How do I get started?
A. Instructions are available here: https://inside.ewu.edu/2fa/
Q. Do I have to use a mobile device?
A. There are several methods that can be used, including a mobile device app, SMS text message, and voice phone call options. Using a mobile device is most convenient option. If you don't own a mobile device, you may request a hardware token instead. Hardware tokens should be treated like ID cards and if you lose it, you will be charged for a replacement.
Q. Why is EWU requiring this for students?
A. Unfortunately, account compromises and malicious attacks have become more numerous and frequent at EWU. Passwords alone no longer provide a sufficient degree of safety. If your EWU account is “hacked”, criminals will have access to your personal information and everything in your Office 365 Account, your Eaglenet account, and all the online services of InsideEWU. Most credential breaches can be stopped by two-factor authentication.
The extra security will allow us to enable requested features like online direct deposit changes for financial aid and student employee paychecks!
Q. Who else uses two-factor authentication?
A. The use of two-factor authentication is quickly becoming the norm for most universities and colleges. Regionally, schools like the University of Idaho, Washington State University, and Central Washington University already require it or soon will. Nationally, schools like Notre Dame, Penn State, the University of Nebraska, Michigan State and the University of Minnesota, and many others already require it.
Q. I don’t have anything confidential in my account, why should I care about two-factor authentication?
A. Attackers use compromised student accounts for many purposes, including spam, phishing, and, most importantly, to steal your financial aid or university paycheck.
Q. What services will be affected by implementing two-factor authentication?
A. Duo protects services that you log in through InsideEWU, including Office 365, Google Workspace, Canvas, Banner and Eaglenet. Duo protection has also been added to select services like VPN.
Q. Does this mean I will have to use Duo to login to my personal computer, phone, or tablet?
A. No! This requirement only applies to your EWU online account.
Q. Does this mean I will have to use Duo to login to an EWU computer?
A. No! 2FA is not required for device logins.
Q. Are International numbers supported for SMS and voice call options?
A. No, only domestic US numbers are supported. Selected Mexican and Canadian carriers may work, but results will vary based on carrier and network. Please see the Adding a device with an international phone number to Duo 2FA knowledge base article for more information.
Q. Does EWU gain control of my personally-owned mobile device once I enable Duo?
A. No! By installing Duo on your mobile device, you do not provide EWU with any additional ability to access your device or monitor your personal activity.
Q. Who else uses two-factor authentication at EWU?
A. Everyone with an EWU account is required to use 2FA.
Q. I have more questions. How can I learn more about two-factor authentication?
A. Please check our two-factor site at https://inside.ewu.edu/2fa/ or check out these additional articles in our knowledgebase: