Duo Multi-Factor (MFA) Authentication

The ITS Duo multi-factor authentication (MFA) program improves the security of your USC electronic accounts by requiring an additional level of authentication beyond your username and password. The program provides you with a secondary means of confirming your identity via your mobile device, landline phone, or an authentication token, which you will use every time that you sign into any of the services accessed through the USC NetID sign-in. You will be asked to use the Duo application to verify your identity separately for each service you sign into.

The USC NetID sign-in process, which is easily recognizable by the authentication screen, provides single-sign-on (or Shibbolized) access to systems such as Workday, Trojan Time, Brightspace, the MyUSC portal, and more. You will be asked to use the Duo application to verify your identity separately for each service you SSO into. This additional measure provides valuable protection to your account and personal information. Even if your password is compromised, no one can access your account without your secondary authentication.

This additional measure provides valuable protection to your account and personal information. Even if your password is compromised, no one will be able to access your account without your secondary authentication.

This program applies only to those services accessed via the USC NetID sign-in process. The program does not include accounts and services that are accessed through the Active Directory authentication process, such as the USC secure wireless network and Eduroam.

To take advantage of the options below, register your device(s) for use with your MFA account (including, if applicable, downloading and installing the Duo Mobile App on your smartphone) before you begin your travel.

Eligibility

  • Available to all current USC faculty, staff, and students.
  • All users (students, faculty, staff, and iVIP affiliates) using AnyConnect VPN are required to use MFA when logging in.
  • All student workers, including teaching assistants, are required to use Duo when logging into Workday. 

Pricing

  • Duo is a free service. 

Helpful Links

ITS Support 

  • The ITS Service Desk provides support to the USC community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 
  • Call (213) 740-5555 and choose option 2 to receive assistance. Please note that some requests may require a government ID for user verification.
  • Report an Issue on the ITS Service Portal.
  • Search for information on the ITS Service Portal.