Multi-Factor Authentication for Smartphones and Tablets

Duo Push for Smartphones and Tablets: The most convenient way to authenticate

Did you know that Duo Push is the quickest and easiest way to use multi-factor authentication when logging into a Fordham system? It’s also more secure than authenticating with a text message or a phone call.

Duo Push is when an authentication request is “pushed” to your smartphone or tablet’s screen following your login to a Fordham system. Tap the message to approve or deny the authentication request. 

Help Enrolling a New Device

If you need assistance with enrolling a new device in multi-factor authentication, please call the IT Service Desk to help set it up at 718-817-3999.

Start Using Duo Push

Get Duo Mobile at the App Store
Go to your smartphone’s app store to download and install the free Duo Mobile app​ on your smartphone and/or tablet. The Duo Mobile app is free, however, you may be asked for credit card information. Duo Mobile does not need your credit card information; dismiss this message and proceed.

Enroll Your Smartphone or Tablet and Activate with Duo Mobile
To enroll your smartphone or tablet, do the following:

• Go to a Fordham system and log in with your Fordham Username and password
• At the Duo authentication prompt, click My Settings & Devices
• Authenticate with your current method/device
• After authenticating, click “Add a new device” and follow the prompts to enroll and activate your smartphone or tablet

Activate Your Already Enrolled Smartphone or Tablet with Duo Mobile
If you already have enrolled a smartphone or tablet and still need to activate it for use with Duo Mobile, do the following:

• Go to a Fordham system and log in with your Fordham Username and password
• At the Duo authentication prompt, click My Settings & Devices
• Authenticate with your current method/device
• Click the button next to your enrolled smartphone or tablet and follow the prompts to activate Duo Mobile.

Duo Push is quicker than the alternatives
Duo Push: Tap the message that appears (it’s called a “push”) on your screen, and you’re in.
Time: A few seconds.

Telephone call (Call Me): Answer the phone and press a button on the dial pad.
Time: Longer than a few seconds.

SMS/Text message (Passcode): Wait for a 6-digit passcode text that you must type in accurately.
Time: Much longer than a few seconds, especially for those who don’t have good typing skills!

Duo Push is easier and quieter
No typing or re-entering of mistyped passcodes is required. Just tap! Duo Push is quieter than a phone call.

Duo Push is more secure
Only YOU can receive and approve the push notification on your smartphone or tablet screen.

SMS/Text messages and phone calls can be spoofed or redirected, making this option less secure.

The Duo Push screen confirms which device you’re attempting to log in to.

Tell me more about Duo Mobile so I can get Duo Push for my device.

The Duo Mobile App is free
The Duo Mobile app does not cost anything, nor does it require any in-app purchases or subscriptions. The Duo Mobile app is free, however, you may be asked for credit card information. Duo Mobile does not need your credit card information; dismiss this message and proceed.

Duo Mobile uses almost no data
500 pushes to your device will use 1 MB of data in total. This is roughly equivalent to loading one webpage on your smartphone.

Duo Mobile does NOT have access to information on your device
Duo Mobile cannot read your emails or track your location. It cannot see your browser history, and it requires your permission to send you notifications (the “pushes”). Lastly, Duo Mobile cannot​ erase the data on your phone or tablet.

Duo Mobile needs one-time access to your device’s camera
Duo Mobile only​ accesses your camera when it scans a QR code during activation. This step is only completed during your initial enrollment or when you elect to activate a new smartphone. You may disable Duo’s camera access in your phone’s settings; enable it only if you need it again.

Duo Mobile does not need a WiFi connection, data plan, or cellular reception
If you don’t have service, just tap the key icon in the Duo Mobile app to generate a 6-digit authentication passcode.

Duo Mobile works anywhere in the world
When you’re traveling internationally, Duo Mobile can generate the required 6-digit passcode without the need for a telephone signal or data plan. Simply tap the key icon on the right side of the screen in the Duo Mobile app to receive a passcode.