Information Security

Duo: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

CSU, Chico has prioritized the protection of students, faculty and staff information by adding Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Using Duo, a second-layer of security is added on-top of passwords.  This helps protect users and the university as passwords are easily compromised. 

 Duo’s two-factor authentication service protects apps, users, and data by requiring an additional piece of information beyond a username and password. Users will be required to use a device (mobile phone, desk phone, hardware token, etc.) to meet the MFA requirement. Multi-Factor Authentication, also known as Two-Factor Authentication, is quite common today and is an excellent way to provide an additional layer of security to your account. Once enrolled in Duo, end users will receive a push authentication request through the Duo Mobile App, a phone call, or choose to enter a One-Time Passcode (OTP) generated code.  Two-factor authentication combines something the user knows (username and password) with something they carry (smartphone, for example) to ensure that if the password has been compromised, that alone will not allow their account information to be accessed.

Duo MFA drastically reduces the risk of account compromise and helps protect your data from unauthorized access.  MFA has been a security “best-practice” for several years and helps address security threats before they become a problem.  For more information about Duo at Chico State, see our Duo Knowledge Base.