C&IT has received a number of questions regarding the implementation of two-factor authentication for employee accounts. Two-factor authentication is an industry standard used by Google, Facebook, University of Michigan and Apple among many others. This is the leading way for companies and organizations to protect data — including information like your tax records, benefits, direct deposit settings and more.

Why is Wayne State enabling two-factor authentication on employee accounts?

Two-factor authentication is one of the best ways to protect against remote attacks such as phishing, credential exploitation and other attempts to takeover your accounts. Now, even if attackers manage to obtain your password, they can’t gain access to corporate networks, cloud storage, financial information, etc. This means we can more securely make information available to employees with a lower risk of it falling into the wrong hands.

My password is secure — I don't tell it to anybody! Why do I need this?

Over 95 percent of cyber attacks involve harvesting credentials from customer devices, then logging into web applications with them. We appreciate the effort you put into keeping your password safe, but hackers can still obtain your password via key logging programs, highly sophisticated scams and more. Every WSU employee is now using two-factor authentication because security is a responsibility we all share — no exceptions.

Why do we use Duo Mobile?

The Duo Mobile app is the most convenient way to use this service and stay secure; the app does not access or share any personal information on your phone back with the university. Additionally, you can use it on Wi-Fi or even completely offline. If you don't have a smartphone or you don't want to use it, that's fine! The app is the easiest way to use this system, but you may also authenticate your login attempts via text or landline. Check out these instructions to add additional or different devices to your account. Our goal is to keep your account and data secure while giving you as many easy options as possible.

Have any other questions?

• Our frequently asked questions page describes many aspects of two-factor authentication in detail.
• Check out a step-by-step guide on how to setup and use two-factor authentication at WSU.

Thank you for participating in the two-factor authentication rollout. Yes, two-factor authentication adds another step when you access certain information in your account, but this small effort on your part plays a huge role in keeping information about WSU students and staff (including you!) safe.