IT Connect News

Reminder! Lock down your login with Duo/2FA for your UW NetID

The following message was sent to students because the University of Washington will enable two-factor authentication (2FA) by November 2, 2022 when signing in with your UW NetID on the web. 2FA is a new and required security feature for students to safeguard your account and our institution.

We care about protecting you online from cybercriminals who want to steal your personal information. That’s why we’re asking you to get Duo and secure your UW NetID with two-factor authentication (2FA) — before it’s required on November 2, 2022.

With 2FA’s additional layer of security, you sign in first with your UW NetID, and then use a 2FA device — typically your smartphone — to confirm your identity. Remember that you need two-factor enabled to register for winter classes.

Set up Duo/2FA — it’s quick and easy
First:

  1. Go to your device’s app store and download the free Duo Mobile app if you don’t already have it.
  2. Set up a smartphone or tablet with Duo.
  3. Complete your Duo enrollment.

Next:

  1. Go to Identity.UW, sign in with your UW NetID and password, then select the “2FA” tab.
  2. Click “Opt in to use 2FA on the web.”
  3. Click “Confirm.”
  4. Be sure to keep your 2FA device with you after you opt in!

UW web-based systems, such as MyUW, Canvas, Notify.UW and MyPlan will prompt you for 2FA, and so will other websites and services like UW Google Suite, Zoom and Husky OnNet.

For more information, visit IT Connect’s Opt in to use 2FA on the web.

Reduce the frequency of 2FA prompts

Once you’ve opted in, you can easily reduce the number of times you are prompted to sign in with your 2FA device by using the remember me option on personal devices or on other non-shared computers that you regularly use. The Microsoft sign-in (e.g., for UW Office 365) also has its own “keep me signed in” option.

Opt-in reminder screen

The UW NetID sign-in screen will periodically remind you to opt in to 2FA. It will stop reminding you once you’ve set up Duo and opted in.

Thank you for your partnership in protecting sensitive information at the UW.

Sincerely,

Brad Greer, Associate Vice President for IT Infrastructure
Rebekah Skiver Thompson, Associate Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer