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Multi-factor Authentication at Northwestern

What is Multi-factor Authentication?

Northwestern Information Technology provides Multi-factor Authentication technology, adding an extra layer of login protection for Northwestern systems. This technology, powered by Duo, integrates your phone into the login process, resulting in two types of authentication to verify your identity:

• Something you know – your Northwestern NetID/NetID password
• Something you have – your phone (mobile, office, or home)

Once a phone is registered with Multi-factor Authentication, attempts to access University systems that utilize this technology require a user to confirm their identity by using a simple application on the registered smartphone, via a text message, or answering a phone call to any of your registered phone number.

Security Benefits 

• Further protects sensitive data, even in the event that a NetID password has been compromised.
• Helps mitigate phishing attacks by preventing access to sensitive information.
• Conveniently functions on- and off-campus via a variety of phone types.

Register 

Registration is a simple online process that takes just minutes to complete. Watch the training videos  for step-by-step instructions and to learn what to expect. Visit the Knowledge Base for solutions to commonly asked questions about registering and managing your phone with MFA.

Once registered, the login process is simple. Enter your NetID and NetID password, as usual, and you will be prompted to confirm your identity through your registered phone via voice, text-message, or push notification to the Duo App. Once confirmed, you will then gain access to the system.

Similar to many industry adoptions of Multi-factor Authentication, you have the option to check a “remember me” box, which will bypass the need to use Multi-factor Authentication for subsequent logins for a period of 30 days.

You will however, still need to use your NetID and NetID password for each login.

Registration Resources

• Open Labs - Drop in for registration guidance. FFRA Schedule myHR Schedule
• MFA Quick Guide providing registration tips and resources.
• How-to Videos  for a visual guide to registering with MFA.
• Register Your Phone for Multi-factor Authentication 

Manage Your Registered Phones

You can manage your registered phone(s*) at any time, including:

• Adding a phone as a backup in case your primary phone is unavailable
• Choosing your primary phone to receive notifications
• Reactivating the Duo Mobile app on your smartphone
• Deleting a phone

How-to Videos

Northwestern IT has created several short videos that provide easy step-by-step instructions on how to register your phone with Multi-factor authentication and how to manage your registered phone(s).

• How to Register with Multi-factor Authentication with an Android Phone 
• How to Register with Multi-factor Authentication with an iPhone
• How to Register a Touchtone Phone with Multi-factor Authentication
• How to Manage Phones Registered with Multi-factor Authentication 

Uses at Northwestern

myHR Self-Service was the first University system to use Multi-factor Authentication at Northwestern. In April 2016, Multi-factor Authentication was added to NUPlans. In July 2016, Multi-factor Authentication was added on several self-service University-wide systems, including NUFinancials, InfoEd, CATracks, Cognos BI, and Self-Service CAESAR.

The University continues to be proactive in using various technologies to further protect personal employee data and the data of the entire University community. As members of the University community, it is everyone's responsibility to take steps to protect your NetID password that will ultimately protect access to sensitive information on Northwestern administrative and departmental data systems.

Last Updated: 11 December 2018