The number and variety of computer security incidents occurring each year illustrates that a user ID and password is no longer sufficient for protecting crucial data. Because cybercriminals have devised sophisticated methods for stealing login credentials, two-factor authentication has become best practice to help prevent this theft.
Two-Factor Authentication is a method of assuring that a person is who they claim to be by requiring that person to provide two different assurances of their identity. At UTSA, these assurances include (1) your passphrase and (2) your mobile device or token. Two-factor authentication at UTSA is provided by a platform called Duo.

With your mobile device out and ready, visit https://passphrase.utsa.edu, select “Duo Setup Authentication,” and follow the prompts as indicated. To install the Duo app on your device, visit the Apple Store or Google Play and search for “duo mobile,” then select the green Duo icon.

The Duo app can be downloaded at the following places:

• Apple App Store
• Microsoft Mobile
• Google Play

Don’t have a mobile device? or Need to activate a new device?

Passwords are becoming increasingly easy to compromise. Duo two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security to your account to make sure that it stays safe. When you have Duo set up, if someone tries to access your financial information (or any other two-factor protected data), you will be alerted right away via your phone. This prevents anyone but you from accessing your accounts.

No. In an effort to keep university systems and your personal account information secure, two-factor authentication is mandatory on selected services.

Installing the Duo Security app on your mobile device will not give the university access to or control over your mobile device. The only information provided to the university by Duo Security during the two-factor authentication process is that the authentication was completed using your registered device. You can view the Duo Privacy Policy here.

You can also use a landline or a tablet. You will still need to follow the instructions at the top of this page to set up your Duo account.

At this point you’ll have to use a token. They can be used in lieu of a cell phone, landline or tablet. 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 5 USB token.  They can be purchased from the following places:

• Yubico store at https://www.yubico.com/store
• Amazon at https://www.amazon.com

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

If you get a new device, you will need to reactivate Duo Mobile.

1. Go to passphrase.utsa.edu
2. Click on Duo Setup Authentication
3. Click continue towards the bottom right
4. Click “Add a new device” under the options below the UTSA logo in the gray box. Click here for further instructions. Although this link does not show UTSA screenshots, the instructions will be the same.

If you have any issues, please contact the Tech Café at 210-458-5555 for immediate assistance.

Contact Tech Café at 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 Help Desk if you lose your phone, remember that your password will still protect your account.

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 Tech Café at 210-458-5555 to request re-activation of Duo Mobile. You can log in with a passcode generated by the Duo Mobile app and send a new activation link to your phone. See the Manage Devices guide for instructions.

When you log in to myUTSA Account , you will be prompted to authenticate yourself through your DUO account. The prompt gets triggered when you access information in the “Financial Aid” or “Fiscal Services” tab and you will not be able to move forward without re-authenticating yourself.

If you haven’t set it up yet, it will prompt you to start the process:

If you have setup your DUO, you will get prompted to re-authenticate yourself with your registered device: