Duo 2-Factor Authentication
These days, many customers are asked to provide extra verification of their identity before they can access personal information online. This is because banks, insurance companies and other large-scale industries are tightening digital security practices to fight cybercriminal activity.
In step with this practice, UNC Charlotte introduced Duo two-factor authentication two years ago. It’s goal: to reduce the risks of phishing, malware, etc. by adding a second layer of verification for NinerNET accounts.
Duo 2-Factor Authentication Required Starting January 31, 2019
Since then, UNC System policy 1400.3 was released which includes direction for all UNC System universities to implement “multi-factor authentication.” Michael Carlin, UNC Charlotte’s vice chancellor for information technology and chief information officer, believes that “mandating Duo 2-factor authentication for all of our university employees is a natural extention to further protect university data.” The Duo requirement was vetted through the university’s IT Governance processs, which includes the Executive Technology Council (ETC) and Technology Portfolio Committees (TPC)–two groups comprised of representatives from all university divisions. The requirement was approved.
Starting January 31, 2019, all university employees (full-time, part-time, adjunct faculty and student employees) will be required to use Duo to access NinerNET Single Sign-On (SSO) systems such as Gmail, My UNC Charlotte and Canvas.
An Extra–But Simple–Authentication Process
So far, over 75 campus departments, such as Financial Services and Legal Affairs, require Duo to protect institutional data. This translates into over 50 per cent of faculty and staff who already use Duo.
Karla Stanchina, communications manager for The Graduate School, is one of these people. She uses both the mobile app (the recommended 1st choice) and a fob. “Both methods are easy and quick to use. The mobile app works well when I’m on campus or in a collaborative environment and gets me up and running in a matter of seconds,” says Stanchina. “I use the fob when working remotely where my cell service is limited…so having both options meets my needs.”
Added Benefit: You Only Have to Change Your NinerNET Password Once A Year
Using Duo will soon provide another benefit: university employees* will only have to change their password once a year, versus the current every 90 days for faculty/staff and 180 days for students. This means less reminder emails, less forgotten passwords…and a more secure account.
Now’s the time to enroll. Helpful FAQs are listed below to get you started, including some time-saving tips! As always, if you have any questions, contact the IT Service Desk at ext. 7-5500 for help.
*Employees who handle PCI (credit card payments) will still need to change their password every 90 days
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FAQs
Do I need to use Duo every time I login?