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Answers to frequently asked questions about Duo multi-factor authentication at MHC.
In this article
Which services/websites are protected by Duo MFA?
For a full list, review our article How to log into campus systems.
Am I required to use Duo MFA?
All students, faculty, staff, and alums who access Duo-protected services are required to use Duo. This is a security measure to protect your data.
How do I enroll in Duo MFA?
Students, faculty, and staff: Find full enrollment instructions in our article Duo MFA: Enroll your MHC Account and set up Duo Mobile.
Alums: You'll enroll in Duo when you claim your MHC Account for DASH.
How often will I need to complete Duo verification?
When you complete Duo verification on a given device/browser and confirm that it is a trusted device, you won't be asked for Duo verification again on that device/browser combination for another 12 hours.
If you attempt to access a Duo-protected service on a different device, in a different browser, or in an incognito/private browser session, you can expect to be prompted to complete Duo verification again.
However, completing Duo verification when connecting to the MHC VPN starts a separate 12 hour Duo session, so at maximum you can expect to complete Duo verification twice per day if you are only using one device/browser.
Do I need a smart phone to use Duo?
No. There are many verification methods available that don't require a smart phone. For a full list and LITS guidance, please visit our article Duo MFA: Overview of authentication methods.
What if I get a new phone after setting up the Duo Mobile app?
Students, faculty, and staff can find guidance for activating Duo Mobile on a new phone in our article Duo MFA: I got a new phone - how do I activate Duo Mobile on it?
Alums are not eligible for using the Duo Mobile app to complete Duo verification.
How do I see all my configured Duo verification methods and make changes?
Students, faculty, and staff can find instructions for accessing the Duo manage devices page and adding/removing verification methods in our article Duo MFA: How to manage devices for Duo verification.
Alums who have already claimed their MHC Account for DASH can log in at account.mtholyoke.edu, select "My Security", and add or remove phone numbers for Duo verification there.
Do you have advice for using Duo during international travel?
Guidance for students, faculty, and staff
The Duo Mobile app will work outside of the U.S. even if you don't have cellular data — It only requires a WiFi connection. However, if you replace your phone or get a new phone number as part of your international travel (ex. when studying abroad), the connection between your MHC Duo account and your device may be broken and the Duo Mobile app will need to be reactivated. If you have another verification method configured, you can follow our manage devices instructions to reactivate the device. Otherwise, open an MHC Account access support ticket and LITS Technology Help Desk professional staff will help you reactivate Duo Mobile on your device.
Platform authenticators like Touch ID or Windows Hello only require a WiFi connection so can be used anywhere in the world so long as you have WiFi.
Faculty and staff are also eligible to request a Duo hardware token, which is a keychain-like device that generates Duo verification codes without needing a cellular connection or WiFi.
If you're planning an international trip and need guidance, please open an MHC Account access support ticket to get support from the LITS Technology Help Desk.
Guicance for Alums
Duo verification via SMS text message — the verification method available to alums — requires being able to receive an SMS text message. If you are traveling internationally and aren't able to receive text messages at the number configured for you in Duo, then you won't be able to log into DASH or other Duo-protected systems.