How do I get Duo?

Go to https://passphrase.utsa.edu.  Select Duo Setup.

What if I get a new mobile phone?

If you get a new phone you will need to re-activate Duo Mobile. Contact the UTS Tech Café at 210 458-5555 for assistance.

What should I do if I get an authentication message and I am not trying to log in?

Deny the request and report the incident to the UTS Tech Café immediately via email (techcafe@utsa.edu) or by calling (210) 458-5555.

How do I connect to VPN using Duo two-factor authentication?

The instructions are available here.

Can I opt out of Duo?

No. Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security to our online accounts. In an effort to keep the university systems and your personal account information secure, we are enabling two-factor authentication on selected services.

What if I don’t have a cell phone, landline, or a tablet for a secondary device?

Tokens are a great option.  There are two types of tokens available.

USB tokens – inserted into a USB port on your computer. During the Duo authentication, you push a button on the token.
One-Time-Password (OTP) tokens – have a digital readout with a six digit code you enter into the Duo authentication window.
We recommend the YubiKey 5C NFC USB token.

Contact the UTS Tech Café at (210) 458-5555 after receiving the token so it can be associated with your account.

I have stopped receiving push notifications on Duo Mobile.

You may have trouble receiving push requests if there are network issues between your phone and our service.

Many phones have trouble determining whether to use the Wi-Fi or cellular data channel when checking for push requests, and simply turning the phone to airplane mode and back to normal operating mode again often resolves these sort of issues, if there is a reliable internet connection available.

Similarly, the issue may be resolved by turning off the Wi-Fi connection on your device and using the cellular data connection.

Also, check the time and date on your phone and make sure they are correct. If the date and time on your phone are manually set, try changing your device’s configuration to sync date and time automatically with the network.

If neither of these suggestions work, then the simplest resolution is to contact the UTS Tech Café at 210-458-5555 to request re-activation of Duo Mobile. You can log in with a pass code generated by the Duo Mobile app and send a new activation link to your phone. See the Manage Devices guide for instructions.

What is two-factor authentication and why is UTSA implementing it?

Passwords are becoming increasingly easy to compromise. They can often be stolen, guessed, and hacked — you might not even know who else has your password and is accessing your account. Duo two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security to your account to make sure that it stays safe, even if someone else knows your password, by using your phone or other device to verify your identity. You will be alerted right away (on your phone – mobile or landline – or tablet) if someone tries to log in using your password. This prevents anyone but you from accessing your accounts.

What if I lose my mobile phone or it is stolen?

Contact the UTS Tech Café at techcafe@utsa.edu or call 210-458-5555 immediately if you lose your phone or suspect that it has been stolen. The device will be disabled for authentication and you will be assisted in enrolling another phone/device. While it is important that you contact the UTS Tech Café if you lose your phone, remember that your password will still protect your account.