What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a second piece of information before you can log into a system. Verifying your identity using a second factor (a verification code sent to the free Duo app, your phone or another device) prevents anyone but you from logging in, even if they know your password.
Did you receive a Duo push that you didn’t ask for?
Hit deny or delete/report text then Report the Smishing attempt. For more information on smishing and Duo scams, please see our Phishing webpage.
Why do I need UL2FCTR / Duo ?
Passwords to a user’s account are becoming easy to compromise. Passwords can often be stolen, guessed or hacked — you might not even know someone is accessing your information. Two-factor authentication keeps your account secure even if your password is compromised. Our two-factor authentication system is a Duo application specific to UofL named UL2FCTR. With UL2FCTR or Duo, you'll be alerted right away (on your phone) if someone is trying to log in as you.
ULink’s Student System, WorkdayHR, Blackboard and our VPN all require UL2FCTR / Duo. We are eventually adding this requirement to all systems to provide better protection for everyone’s personal information and increasing the security of campus data assets. The second factor of authentication is independent from your UofL userID and password. UofL’s UL2FCTR is available without cost to all students and employee through our enroll/login above; sync to the downloadable Duo app free from your preferred app store.
Sign Up Process
How it works
First, all students, faculty and staff must enroll in UofL’s Duo. The sign-up process is required to be registered in our UL2FCTR / Duo and set up your preferred two-step confirmation process.
Using a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device, log into our system with your UofL userID and password. You will need to be current with your operating system and browser for the process to begin. Follow the prompts to enroll – steps will differ depending on device used and selections – and set up at least one option for verifying your identity (two options for confirmation recommended). You can register multiple devices or methods to your UL2FCTR / Duo account in order to provide the necessary confirmation code. Specific instructions available on Duo’s Guide.
Once you’ve enrolled and set up your preferences, familiarize yourself with the ways to use Duo. Downloading the free Duo app to a smart device and using the ‘push’ notifications for each verification process is preferred and highly recommended. Always using the Duo app for the second factor authentication is the easiest method for quickly confirming your logging into the system requiring UL2FCTR.
For more information, check out these videos. If you have issues, contact our ITS HelpDesk.
UofL is not liable for costs associated with the use of a device for SMS messaging, phone calls, data usage or roaming charges.
FAQs
UofL enrollment for students is an open process. Log in to set up or change your preferences for the verification process.
For most students, ULink’s Student System and Blackboard are the most frequently used applications which currently require UL2FCTR (Duo). After August 7, 2024, we’ll be adding it to all other systems and applications. See a full list of systems that includes Office365 and essential Microsoft products – such as Outlook email and Adobe Creative Cloud. Most systems fall under our Conditional Access user/device and location determinants to reduce the need for redundant two-factor verification.
No, no subscription is needed. As part of UofL, you should enroll in our UL2FCTR (button at top of page), so you will not be paying to use Duo. You simply need to synch the free, downloadable Duo app from your preferred app store to your smartphone.
Yes, if you would like to log into a secure system at the University of Louisville, like Blackboard or ULink’s Student System, UL2FCTR / Duo verification will always be required.
No. UL2FCTR is UofL’s specifically dedicated Duo product. You might already use Duo for two-factor authentication verification for other online accounts such as PayPal or your banking.
If you get an alert and haven’t yet enrolled, log into our system with your UofL userID and password. The enrollment process registers you in our UL2FCTR / Duo and sets your preferred two-step confirmation process.
If you get an alert and you have enrolled in UL2FCTR, contact the ITS HelpDesk.
Depending on if you are or are not signed into another university system or software within the same browser or device, users might get a window to sign in with your UofL userID and password so that you can access the appropriate portal. Our ULservices often has a confirmation acceptance window followed by a portal sign in. Both show verified louisville.edu addresses.
While the Duo app is the preferred and easiest prompt method on devices, Duo also works with all cell phones and landlines by supporting authentication via a phone call or SMS passcodes / text. See the Duo Guide for more information on this process.
No, enrollment for access to identified systems is mandatory.
No, your current Duo account should be used. If you use UL2FCTR / Duo for another university system, like your WorkdayHR access, use the same Duo account for your access.
Yes! You can enroll your mobile phone, your landline phone, and/or your tablet.
In order to comply with federal regulations, Duo blocks authentications from users whose location and/or IP address originates in a country or region subject to economic and trade sanctions enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
UofL users located in or traveling to the locations listed on the OFAC Sanctions List will not be able to access or communicate via most university-provided technology resources that require UL2FCTR / Duo (such as VPN, WorkdayHR, ULink’s Student System, Blackboard and and, for some, Microsoft 365 products such as Outlook or OneDrive). The Duo restriction is based on location, not personal identity or citizenship. Please see all restricted countries and locations: https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information.
Students, staff and faculty operating in the above regions and countries should take note of these restrictions. More information is available on Duo’s dedicated webpage.
UofL users attempting to sign into UL2FCTR (Duo) protected web-based applications will receive an error message and be blocked from completing a login. Other applications, such as UofL’s VPN, will fail without providing the user any feedback. This block applies to all uses of Duo’s two-step login (app push, phone call, SMS text, code or yubikey).
We are unable to provide exceptions to this restriction. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our ITS HelpDesk.
If your location or place of residence is not included in the restricted countries and locations: https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information, Duo works with international phone numbers but the text options may be restricted due to the regulations of the country.
The best way for a seamless Duo experience (no matter where you are located) is to download the Duo app on your smartphone. The Duo app accepts international numbers by allowing you to utilize phone numbers with different country or dialing codes. If you don’t have a smartphone or want to use the app, SMS or phone calls will still work but charges might apply.
If your location or place of residence is not included in the restricted countries and locations: https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information, the process should be the same.
The best way for a seamless Duo experience (no matter where you are located) is to download the Duo app on your smartphone. Your Duo app will still allow you to authenticate while traveling provided your enrolled mobile device is connected to the internet. If you don’t have a smartphone or want to use the app, SMS or phone calls will still work but charges might apply.
The University of Louisville requires by policy (ISO-014 v2.0 and ISO-006 v2.0) that the operating systems and software used by University persons (faculty, staff and student members (including, but not limited to: faculty, staff, students, temps, trainees, volunteers, and other persons as deemed appropriate) for conducting/performing work, teaching, research or study activity using University resources be up-to-date and current.
Additionally, Duo, our two-factor authentication software, requires that all operating systems and web browsers be current in order to work with the UL2FCTR system.
No, they will continue to access the student system through ULink as before. Because their delegated access is limited, they will not be required to use UL2FCTR / Duo at this time. A delegated access account has unique permissions and stringent allowances.
You will need to re-download Duo from your app store to your smartphone and re-synch the account for UofL’s UL2FCTR. First, download the app and begin to set up with your phone number for the device. Log into our UL2FCTR portal and click to send prompt to your app to re-synch the account. If you have issues, please contact our ITS HelpDesk.
You can synch your new mobile phone or change a phone number, add an additional phone, and/or a tablet all by logging into our system portal with your UofL userID and password.
If Duo is not working for you, try these troubleshooting options:
- Refresh your page and sign in again
- Close your browser and reopen with a new window
- Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari)
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies
Otherwise, please contact the ITS HelpDesk or, for one-on-one assistance, visit our iTech Connect location on the lower level of the Miller Information Technology Center (MITC) on the Belknap campus.
UofL enrollment for students is an open process. Log in to set up or change your preferences for the verification process.
For most students, ULink’s Student System and Blackboard are the most frequently used applications which currently require UL2FCTR (Duo). After August 7, 2024, we’ll be adding it to all other systems and applications. See a full list of systems that includes Office365 and essential Microsoft products – such as Outlook email and Adobe Creative Cloud. Most systems fall under our Conditional Access user/device and location determinants to reduce the need for redundant two-factor verification.
No, no subscription is needed. As part of UofL, you should enroll in our UL2FCTR (button at top of page), so you will not be paying to use Duo. You simply need to synch the free, downloadable Duo app from your preferred app store to your smartphone.
Yes, if you would like to log into a secure system at the University of Louisville, like Blackboard or ULink’s Student System, UL2FCTR / Duo verification will always be required.
No. UL2FCTR is UofL’s specifically dedicated Duo product. You might already use Duo for two-factor authentication verification for other online accounts such as PayPal or your banking.
If you get an alert and haven’t yet enrolled, log into our system with your UofL userID and password. The enrollment process registers you in our UL2FCTR / Duo and sets your preferred two-step confirmation process.
If you get an alert and you have enrolled in UL2FCTR, contact the ITS HelpDesk.
Depending on if you are or are not signed into another university system or software within the same browser or device, users might get a window to sign in with your UofL userID and password so that you can access the appropriate portal. Our ULservices often has a confirmation acceptance window followed by a portal sign in. Both show verified louisville.edu addresses.
While the Duo app is the preferred and easiest prompt method on devices, Duo also works with all cell phones and landlines by supporting authentication via a phone call or SMS passcodes / text. See the Duo Guide for more information on this process.
No, enrollment for access to identified systems is mandatory.
No, your current Duo account should be used. If you use UL2FCTR / Duo for another university system, like your WorkdayHR access, use the same Duo account for your access.
Yes! You can enroll your mobile phone, your landline phone, and/or your tablet.
In order to comply with federal regulations, Duo blocks authentications from users whose location and/or IP address originates in a country or region subject to economic and trade sanctions enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
UofL users located in or traveling to the locations listed on the OFAC Sanctions List will not be able to access or communicate via most university-provided technology resources that require UL2FCTR / Duo (such as VPN, WorkdayHR, ULink’s Student System, Blackboard and and, for some, Microsoft 365 products such as Outlook or OneDrive). The Duo restriction is based on location, not personal identity or citizenship. Please see all restricted countries and locations: https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information.
Students, staff and faculty operating in the above regions and countries should take note of these restrictions. More information is available on Duo’s dedicated webpage.
UofL users attempting to sign into UL2FCTR (Duo) protected web-based applications will receive an error message and be blocked from completing a login. Other applications, such as UofL’s VPN, will fail without providing the user any feedback. This block applies to all uses of Duo’s two-step login (app push, phone call, SMS text, code or yubikey).
We are unable to provide exceptions to this restriction. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our ITS HelpDesk.
If your location or place of residence is not included in the restricted countries and locations: https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information, Duo works with international phone numbers but the text options may be restricted due to the regulations of the country.
The best way for a seamless Duo experience (no matter where you are located) is to download the Duo app on your smartphone. The Duo app accepts international numbers by allowing you to utilize phone numbers with different country or dialing codes. If you don’t have a smartphone or want to use the app, SMS or phone calls will still work but charges might apply.
If your location or place of residence is not included in the restricted countries and locations: https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information, the process should be the same.
The best way for a seamless Duo experience (no matter where you are located) is to download the Duo app on your smartphone. Your Duo app will still allow you to authenticate while traveling provided your enrolled mobile device is connected to the internet. If you don’t have a smartphone or want to use the app, SMS or phone calls will still work but charges might apply.
The University of Louisville requires by policy (ISO-014 v2.0 and ISO-006 v2.0) that the operating systems and software used by University persons (faculty, staff and student members (including, but not limited to: faculty, staff, students, temps, trainees, volunteers, and other persons as deemed appropriate) for conducting/performing work, teaching, research or study activity using University resources be up-to-date and current.
Additionally, Duo, our two-factor authentication software, requires that all operating systems and web browsers be current in order to work with the UL2FCTR system.
No, they will continue to access the student system through ULink as before. Because their delegated access is limited, they will not be required to use UL2FCTR / Duo at this time. A delegated access account has unique permissions and stringent allowances.
You will need to re-download Duo from your app store to your smartphone and re-synch the account for UofL’s UL2FCTR. First, download the app and begin to set up with your phone number for the device. Log into our UL2FCTR portal and click to send prompt to your app to re-synch the account. If you have issues, please contact our ITS HelpDesk.
You can synch your new mobile phone or change a phone number, add an additional phone, and/or a tablet all by logging into our system portal with your UofL userID and password.
If Duo is not working for you, try these troubleshooting options:
- Refresh your page and sign in again
- Close your browser and reopen with a new window
- Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari)
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies
Otherwise, please contact the ITS HelpDesk or, for one-on-one assistance, visit our iTech Connect location on the lower level of the Miller Information Technology Center (MITC) on the Belknap campus.