DUO Security
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Two Factor Authentication (2FA)

Long Island University’s, Information Technology, to better protect your information, uses Two-Step Login as an extra layer of security on select websites and services.

Passwords provide only so much protection—even the strongest ones can be stolen. Requiring login verification from a device only you possess (for example, your mobile phone) prevents hackers from accessing your accounts and pretending they’re you.

Chances are you already use two-factor authentication systems with your bank and even your social media accounts. Your employment or academic records, bank account numbers, and other sensitive information stored at LIU information systems and services deserve the same protection.

The university uses Duo Security tools—including the Duo Mobile app—to administer the Two-Step Login process. We recommend using the Duo Mobile app to complete your logins because it is safer, faster, and the most reliable way to complete two-step logins. If you’re currently using phone calls or other methods, switch to push notifications now.

Supported Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, and Internet Explorer 8 or later. Some browsers do not support all of Duo’s authentication devices (for example, Security Keys won’t work with Internet Explorer). For the widest compatibility with Duo’s authentication methods, we recommend recent versions of Chrome and Firefox.

How It Works

  1. Enter username and password as usual
  2. Verify your identity via the selected Duo authentication mechanism
  3. Securely logged in
You will login as usual with your username and password, and then use your device to verify that it is in fact you. Login approvals can be delivered via a smartphone app push notification, SMS, one-time passcode, or voice call.

For step-by-step instructions on how to enroll in Two-Step Login using the Duo Mobile app, follow the steps below.

Learn more about authenticating with Duo in the guide to using the Duo Prompt.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Online security is a complicated issue. In order to fully and effectively protect the information of students, faculty, and staff at LIU, IT utilizes the two-factor authentication tool Duo. Two-factor authentication is the act of using a two-step login process. The first factor is always the same: your LIU email password. The second factor involves creating randomized access codes every time you log into certain University resources. This extra step is designed to help verify that you are, in fact, who you say you are. Malicious actors trying to gain access to your account may have the password, but they wouldn’t have access to the second factor.

How do I get started using Duo?

Enrolling in Duo is quick, easy, and painless. Most users will be automatically prompted to enroll in Duo at the same time they are setting up their online accounts when starting at LIU (whether as a student, faculty member, or staff). When you enroll, you will need to choose your default method for receiving access codes.

LIU, IT Services recommends that you download the green Duo Mobile app to your smartphone or tablet as your primary method of authentication. It’s the most convenient, cheapest way to authenticate.
IMPORTANT: None of the phone numbers collected through an individual’s enrollment in two-factor authentication will be shared with any other applications or offices.

How do I receive two-factor access codes? (What are the acceptable devices?)

There are several ways you can receive access codes. At LIU, you can:

    • RECOMMENDED: Install the Duo Mobile app on your smartphone, smart watch, or tablet. With the app, you have two options: push notifications or Mobile Passcode.

 

    • Sign up to receive a code via landline phone call.

 

    • Opt into receiving SMS messages.

 

    • Contact IT Help to receive a temporary bypass.

We recommend that if you have a smartphone or tablet, you download the Duo Mobile app and utilize it as your primary method of authentication. It’s quick, easy, free, and painless.

How do I authenticate using Duo?

How you authenticate depends on the device and method you choose for two-factor authentication.

    • If you choose to receive notifications from the Duo Mobile app on your smartphone or other smart device, when you log in, you will simply have to grant access from the app. A push notification will be sent to your device, and you review the request and tap Approve to authenticate. Internet or cellular access is required.

 

    • If you opted to use a Duo Mobile Passcode, simply launch the Duo Mobile app on your device and click the key icon to see your current six-digit code. Internet or cellular access is NOT required for this option, since the passcodes are attached to a certain time stamp.

 

    • If you choose to receive phone calls, you will receive an automated phone call that requires you to press or tap any key on your phone to authenticate.

I am having trouble logging into Gallagher Student Health Insurance Website?

If you are having issue logging into the Gallagher’s website.
You will need to have your LIU Student credentials AND enrolled with Duo Two Factor Authentication. Please follow the instructions below:

  1. Click on this link and login with your LIU Student credentials (e.g. john.smith@my.liu.edu)
  2. To proceed you will must enroll with Two-Factor Authentication. If you have not done so, please see instructions by clicking on this link and select Two-Factor Enrollment on the Web(desktop – recommended) or Two-Factor Enrollment for Mobile Devices.
    • if you choose Enrollment on the Web (desktop) you will need your smartphone camera during the Duo Mobile installation
    • if you choose Enrollment for Mobile Devices, you will need Chrome installed on your smartphone* once you start process, make sure to complete it, as you will not be able to go back
  3. After you installed the Duo Mobile App onto your smartphone, you can obtain Passcode or accept Push requests to access Gallagher’s website.

After following the instructions and if you are still having issues please submit a ticket to it@liu.edu.

How often do I need to authenticate?

For the typical user, you will authenticate once every 8 hours on your primary computer and browser. However, there are a few factors that may cause that number to vary, including:

    • The website you’re accessing (for added security, some sites always require a two-factor authentication.

 

    • Your individual browser settings (whether or not you clear cookies or are using an incognito browser—incognito sessions will be prompted for Duo every time.)

 

    • Whether or not you use more than one device and web browser.

 

    • Whether you check the “Remember me for 8 hours” box during the login process.

       

        • Note: If you have Duo set up to automatically push a notification to your smartphone, the “Remember me for 8 hours” box will be grayed out. Simply “cancel” the push from the Duo login on your computer. This will allow you to check the box. Then, select “Send me a push” from the options once again to log in.

       

 

    • Important note about internet browsers (e.g., Firefox, Chrome, Edge): When logging in via Duo, if your browser is out of date, it will notify you. Please update your browser to prevent receiving this notification.

 

    • For VPN users: If you’re logging into VPN, you will be prompted for a Duo code each time.

Why do I need Duo?

The unfortunate reality of our world is that hackers are routinely trying to steal your passwords and use them for various evil things like stealing your identity, stealing money, changing grades, and a host of other terrible things. As more and more of the members of the LIU community have been affected in these ways, we have come to realize, as most universities have, that a solution like Duo is a necessity.
Students, faculty, and staff are required to use Duo and will be prompted to enroll when they attempt to access certain password-protected LIU services .

Why did we make the switch to mandatory, University-wide two-factor?

As an institution, LIU is responsible for the security of the personal information of all its faculty, staff, and students. Adding another step in the authentication process for accounts helps prove the person trying to access resources, which cuts down on phishing and safeguards data more effectively.

What happens when I lose my Duo device or leave it at home?

It happens to the best of us—either we misplace something or forget to grab it on the way out the door. In this situation, call IT Help and, once you’ve verified your identity, they will be authorized to give you bypass codes. At this point, you will not need two-factor to log in to your account for the next 24 hours.
Important note: This is a limited-use service. Don’t forget your second-factor device after this!

What if I’m traveling internationally?

We recommend that anyone who travels internationally and needs to log in to LIU websites use the Duo Mobile Passcode option or a hardware token. You can use the Duo Mobile Passcode option to generate your authentication code without an internet or cellular connection.