Two Factor Authentication

The BGSU Two Factor Authentication feature offers users a more secure method for accessing important university data. In order to access data protected by Two Factor Authentication, users must clearly identify themselves using two different methods of identification - their BGSU password and another component. The purpose of using two methods of identification is to better protect your data and works under the premise that an unauthorized user is unlikely to be able to supply both required methods of identification.

Security breaches at BGSU can, have, and will happen, this cannot always be prevented. This is why the University has elected to place Two Factor Authentication in front of many of its most important services. Please review this page for more information on BGSU Two Factor Authentication and how it affects you.

BGSU uses the Duo security access product to provide users with secure access to sensitive data. Enrollment in Duo offers a simple and quick method for implementing Two Factor Authentication at the University. Information Technology Services (ITS) recommends the Duo App as the preferred verification option because it is the fastest and most effective way to access protected services using Two Factor Authentication.

After enrolling in Duo, users will be required to authenticate every time they login to a protected service. Once logged in to the MyBGSU portal, users will stay logged in until the session times out after 30 minutes, or until they close out the portal (whichever comes first).

For assistance using Duo, please contact the ITS service desk.

For additional information on Duo Two Factor Authentication please review our Knowledge Base.

BGSU account holders have the option to have Duo Two Factor Authentication remember their credentials when logging in to some protected services for 30 days. This feature appears as a checkbox when the user first attempts to access the the service. Selecting this option will allow the user to bypass the two factor login for the next 30 days. When the 30 days have expired, the user will once again be prompted to authenticate using Duo, and from there, they may select this option again. There is no limit to the number of times you can select this option. Please note:

• The "Remember Me" feature is browser-specific. If you select this option while using Chrome, and attempt to access the portal using a different browser, such as Firefox, you will still need to authenticate using Duo Two Factor Authentication.
• The "Remember Me" feature is device-specific. If you select this option while using your mobile phone to access a protected service, and then attempt to access the same service using your laptop, you will still need to authenticate using Duo Two Factor Authentication.
• The "Remember Me" feature is also service-specific. Choosing this option for MyBGSU portal login will not carry over to allow the user to bypass authentication for other protected services.