Move to Duo

Data is double secured with Duo

What is Duo?

Duo is a multi-factor authentication app that makes it much harder for hackers to access your UC Davis accounts. Even if someone has stolen your passphrase, they need a “second factor” — in most cases a temporary numeric code, to access your account.

Duo Universal Prompt

In Fall 2023, Duo upgraded its login experience to a Universal Prompt. Aggies now experience an updated screen directing them to verify their identity. Users can rest assured this is the same Duo they know and trust, just with a new look designed to work faster and strengthen security.

As a security protection, Information and Educational Technology (IET) is reminding you to approve only login attempts that you have initiated and reject authentication requests that you are not expecting.

Watch the video below and click here to learn more about Duo’s login changes.

How to get started with Duo

To enroll in Duo, follow these 3 steps. This article has instructions:

Select a device to enroll in Duo, and enroll that device.
- Most people use their smartphone, but you can also use a token (a small piece of hardware that generates the authentication code. Some people compare them to pagers).
Register a second device in Duo. You need a backup method in case your primary method isn't available.
Use Duo!

Introducing Duo Risk-Based Authentication

In fall 2024, UC Davis will increase cybersecurity to better protect you and your university information from scammers, hackers, and other bad actors. Risk-Based Authentication will be added to Duo for UC Davis students and staff. Currently, Duo presents users with the last used, or remembered authentication method, and allows them to choose another method available to them. A risk-based authentication must be triggered by potentially suspicious behavior (e.g. an unrealistic device location, a series of failed authentications, or user-marked fraud), and does not allow a user to choose methods Duo considers less secure. Click here to learn more about Duo Risk-Based Authentication.

Duo Central Replaces UC Davis's Duo Device Management Portal

In spring 2024, Duo upgraded its interface on the UC Davis Manage Duo Devices webpage to Duo Central. Users are still be able to add new devices and update current devices through the portal, but they now experience an updated look, designed to streamline the process and strengthen security. Click here to learn more about the Duo Central upgrade.

Stumped? Contact us.

To understand how upgrading to Duo affects your department’s specific software and technologies, please contact your department’s IT team. For other situations where you need help using or understanding Duo, contact Information and Education Technology via IT Express in one of three ways: start a support ticket and track your ticket through the Service Hub, email ithelp@ucdavis.edu, or call (530) 754-HELP (4357).

If you work for UC Davis Health, contact the UC Davis Health Technology Operations Center at (916) 734-4357.