Multi-Factor Authentication
Wayne State University uses two-factor authentication (2FA) to add a second layer of security to students, faculty, and staff accounts. Verifying your identity using a second factor (like your phone or other mobile devices) prevents anyone but you from logging in to your account, even if they know your password. This is a common practice for adding a second layer of protection to access sensitive systems, applications, and information. Universities and their campus communities are heavily targeted by malicious actors seeking to acquire valuable information and access to sensitive systems.
2023 update
Beginning January 2023, Wayne State's two-factor process will be updated to simplify the user experience and limit disruptions to learning and working.
- Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will be used for all self-service systems accessed via Academica (Student, Faculty, Employee, Research, and University Resources) and all systems that use Wayne State single sign-on (Wayne Connect [email/Office365], Canvas, Zoom, STARS, Salesforce, etc.).
- Duo will only be used with Global Protect for access to the Wayne State VPN and select internal C&IT systems.
Thanks to this change, all students, faculty, and staff will only have to 2FA once per browser and per device every 90-days for a single session for most secured systems. That means one 2FA prompt will allow access to all protected systems and services and users will no longer have to 2FA every time they access a protected service as is required now.
Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication
Wayne State is currently implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) by phases across campus. MFA is used to securely access Wayne State email and other applications included in Office 365 (OneDrive, Teams, etc.). The tool can be used with the Authenticator mobile app, text messages, or voice calls to verify identity. Protecting university data and access to our secure systems is a team effort and enabling MFA will further allow us to protect the campus community from phishing emails and other threats.
- If you are accessing your account on campus via WSU-SECURE or off-campus with the VPN, you do not have to use Authenticator.
- Unlike DUO, which must be used every time you access a resource in Academica, Authenticator will only prompt you to verify your credentials every 90 days.
Microsoft offers several authentication methods.
| Authentication Methods | How it works | Additional info |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Authenticator mobile app |
| Preferred method; User is prompted to take action and click Approve to allow access to the account. |
| SMS text message | A message with a code is sent to your registered mobile device. The code can be entered online to allow access. | Texting and data rates apply. |
| Voice call | A phone call with a code is sent to your device. The code can be entered online to allow access. | Voice rates apply |
FAQ
- How do I download and use the Microsoft Authenticator app?
- How do I enroll a new device in MFA?
- Can I add non-Microsoft accounts to the Microsoft Authenticator app?
- Why does my device email app not work with Microsoft Authenticator and MFA?
- How do I set up MFA or Microsoft Authenticator with the Outlook app?
Duo two-factor authentication
Wayne State has partnered with Duo Security to offer two-factor authentication to protect the sensitive data you access in Academica.
- Duo is needed to register for classes and to access grades, financial aid awards, tax documents, timesheets, pay stubs or any other resources including personal information.
- Duo is not needed to log in to Academica or Canvas.
FAQ
- I received an email asking me to set up Duo Two-Factor Authentication. Is this legitimate?
- How do I set up and use Duo Two-Factor Authentication?
- How can I test that my Duo Two-Factor account is set up correctly?
- I am a student and I don't have a smartphone, how can I use Duo?
- How can employees use Duo Two-Factor Authentication without a phone?
- How do I manage my Duo Two-Factor Authentication in Academica?
- How do I set up Duo Mobile push notifications?
- How can I use the passcode function in Duo?
- How do I use the Remember Me function in Duo?
- How do I reset the Duo Mobile app if I get a new phone?