Help Desk

Two-step authentication (also commonly referred to as two-factor authentication, two-step verification, second-factor authentication, or multi-factor authentication) is an additional layer of security beyond a username and password. Typically it involves an app installed on your mobile device, a hardware token that displays a 6-digit code, or a text message sent to your phone. After signing into a service with your username or password, you are then prompted to enter a passcode, or confirm via the app that you're trying to sign in. You may already be familiar with this process if you've enabled two-step verification with popular consumer services such as Gmail, Apple ID, as well as most financial institutions.

Increasingly, accounts are being compromised in a variety of ways – weak passwords, re-used passwords, phishers, hackers, malware, etc. Two-step authentication helps protect community members from targeted attacks and unauthorized access to college and personal data. 

Your data is important.  Two-step authentication provides protection for the following:

• student records (grades, enrollment information, letters of recommendation, and more)
• college confidential and legally protected materials
• sensitive correspondence in email
• candidate materials in job searches
• prevents attackers from gaining access to your Reed account (or other accounts where your where your @reed.edu email address may be set up as a recovery address).

To use Duo, you will need a mobile device (phone/tablet), a landline phone, or a hardware token provided by IT. Our recommended method is to use the Duo app on your mobile device. The app can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store. Learn more about hardware tokens below. There are also video tutorials on using each authentication method. 

Hardware Token

A hardware token is a small device – requiring no network connectivity of any kind – that can be attached to your keychain or slipped into your bag. It generates one-time passcodes on demand, which can be used as your second step during authentication.

If you don't have a phone or would prefer to use a hardware token, visit the help desk in the ETC to speak with a staff member. We'll assign a token to you, walk you through enrollment, as well as your first two-step authentication with your hardware token.

TouchID and Biometric Authentication

Do not use TouchID for the intial setup of your Duo account. Duo will allow you to add TouchID or another biometric authentication method, but this should only be used in addition to a mobile device or hardware token. If used by itself, TouchID will eventually expire and you will be locked out of your account with no way back in.

If you have the same phone number or access to another enrolled Duo device, then you can follow our guide on enrolling a replacement phone. If you have a new phone number (and no other working Duo device), please visit the Help Desk in the ETC for further assistance.

Answers to commonly asked questions can be found on our two-step FAQ page.