Devices and How They Authenticate

The Duo Mobile app is the only authentication method that will work with all Swarthmore sites, and should be your primary authentication method. With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can receive Duo push notifications to your device to complete authentication. Opening the push notification will open the Duo app to a screen that allows you to Approve or Deny the authentication request. Push notifications are more secure than phone calls and SMS messages.

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can generate a 6-digit, one-time-use passcode to complete authentication. Open the app on your device and tap the key icon next to your Swarthmore account to generate the code. Once the app is set up with your Duo account, the passcode option will allow you to generate and use a passcode to authenticate even if you are in an area with little to no wifi, data, or cellular service.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

SMS passcodes can be used as an alternate way to authenticate. Not all sites permit the use of SMS passcodes. Duo will only display the options allowed for authentication. You must have a SMS text capable device already registered with Duo to use this option. For authentication, choose the “Send text message passcode” option to receive a one time passcode via SMS text.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

Phone calls can be used as an alternate way to authenticate. Not all sites permit the use of phone calls for authentication. Duo will only display the options allowed for authentication. When you choose “Call phone” you receive an automated call to that number to complete authentication. The message will inform you that access has been requested to your account and it will tell you which buttons to press to accept or deny that request.

Phone calls can be used as an alternate way to authenticate. Not all sites permit the use of phone calls for authentication. Duo will only display the options allowed for authentication. When you choose “Call phone” you receive an automated call to that number to complete authentication. The message will inform you that access has been requested to your account and it will tell you which buttons to press to accept or deny that request.

The Duo Mobile app is the only authentication method that will work with all Swarthmore sites, and should be your primary authentication method. With the Duo Mobile app installed on your mobile device, you can receive Duo push notifications to your device to complete authentication. Opening the push notification will open the Duo app to a screen that allows you to Approve or Deny the authentication request. Push notifications are more secure than phone calls and SMS messages.

With the Duo Mobile app installed on your tablet or app-enabled touchscreen device (such as an iPod Touch), you can generate a 6-digit, one-time-use passcode to complete authentication. Open the app on your device and tap the key icon next to your Swarthmore account to generate the code. Once the app is set up with your Duo account, the passcode option will allow you to generate and use a passcode to authenticate even if you are in an area with little to no wifi, data, or cellular service.

NOTE:  in Duo, a "Passcode" is numerical and is NOT the same as your password.

If you do not have a smart phone or are not able to install the Duo Mobile app, you can request a YubiKey or Hardware Token from ITS. A YubiKey is a hardware authentication device that serves as a strong form of multi-factor authentication (MFA). It's a small, USB-shaped device that you can plug into a device’s USB port or use with NFC to verify your identity for online accounts. While on the Duo screen, you plug in your YubiKey to an available USB (or USB-C) port on your computer. The key symbol on the token will begin to blink, and once it does you will touch the key symbol. Once Duo has recognized that the YubiKey has been touched you will be authenticated and given access to your account.

NOTE: YubiKeys need to be programmed by ITS for use with SwatVPN. Contact the Help Desk if you need a YubiKey that works with SwatVPN.