Frequently Asked questions about multi-factor authentication and Duo Security.

Frequently Asked Questions about multi-factor authentication

How does multi-factor authentication work?

When logging into a New School system that requires multi-factor authentication you will be prompted to use Duo multi-factor to verify your identity on a device you have enrolled in Duo. Please learn more about how to enroll a device and how to use Duo for multi-factor authentication.

What is Duo?

Duo is an app used for multi-factor authentication for New School students, faculty, and staff accessing various New School services. To keep our information safe, The New School requires that all students and employees use multi-factor authentication when accessing certain university systems that may contain sensitive and/or Personally Identifiable Information (PII). 

This second layer of security ensures that even if your password information is compromised, there is an added step to help prevent unauthorized account access.

Why does the university require multi-factor authentication?

The use of multi-factor authentication enhances the protection of sensitive data of all New School community members and is also a requirement of compliance regulations the university is subject to.

Who is required to use multi-factor authentication?

Faculty/Staff

Students

FT Faculty (NYC Only)

Active NYC Students

PT Faculty (NYC Only)

Active Paris Students

Visiting Faculty

Continuing & Professional Education Students

All Paris Employees

Certificate Students

Emeritus Professors

Exchange Students

FT NYC Staff

Mannes Prep Students

PT NYC Staff (No Temp or Contingent Workers)

Parsons Intensive Students

Temporary Workers (NYC Only)

Post Grad Students

Contingent Workers (NYC Only)

Students on Leave

Student Employees

Withdrawn Students

What university applications require multi-factor?

MyDay, VPN, and Google Services are currently the only applications that require multi-factor authentication. 

Please note: Throughout 2023, the university will move to requiring multi-factor authentication for access to the majority of our services, including those accessed via Single Sign On. This means applications like MyNewSchool and Canvas will in the future be protected by multi-factor authentication. 

How do I get started with Duo?

Follow the steps found in How to Set Up Duo for multi-factor authentication.

Why does the Duo Mobile app need to access my camera?

Duo Mobile only accesses your camera when scanning a QR code during activation.

What methods are available to verify my identity with multi-factor?

What is the recommended method of multi-factor authentication?

While push is the most common method for using multi-factor authentication, the Information Security and Privacy Office recommends using the Duo generated 6-digit passcode option for multi-factor authentication as this is the most secure method. The use of landline phones is highly unrecommended.

How much data does a Duo Push use?

Almost none. 500 pushes to your device will use 1 MB of data in total. This is roughly equivalent to loading one webpage on your smartphone. 

What if I don’t have a wifi connection, cellular reception, or I do not want to use my data?

The Duo App has the ability to generate a code that you can use to log in. This does not require any Internet or cellular data connection at all. Open the Duo app and tap on the key icon next to “The New School”. Enter the 6-digit code.

How do I access DUO if my authentication device is lost or stolen?

First, it is important to contact IT Central at 646.909.4357 or itcentral@newschool.edu to report that your authentication device has been lost or stolen. The top priority is for you to remove the device from your Duo account to ensure that others cannot gain access. 

If you do not have a secondary device set up with your Duo account, please contact IT Central for a one-time temporary code. Please note, IT Central will not provide codes without proper identity verification. 

I frequently go overseas and don’t want to incur additional cellular charges. What can I do?

The Duo App has the ability to generate a code that you can use to log in. This does not require any Internet or cellular data connection at all. Open the Duo app and tap on the key icon next to “The New School”. Enter the 6-digit code.

What does enroll a device with Duo mean?

In order to use Duo multi-factor you will have to enroll or register a device that you will use as your multi-factor tool. Typically, this is a mobile phone that you can download Duo mobile to receive push notifications. This device is what you will use when prompted to use multi-factor authentication.

Can I have more than one device registered to use Duo?

Yes, you can enroll more than one device at time of initial set up or add and manage additional devices by following these steps

Do I need to use a smartphone or tablet to use Duo?

No, Duo also currently supports basic mobile phones, however, Information Technology does not recommend using a landline phone for multi-factor authentication. 

How often will I be prompted to use multi-factor authentication?

The frequency of multi-factor prompts you will receive will depend on the service (i.e. services with more sensitive information will prompt you to use multi-factor more often).

What if my push alerts aren’t coming through?

Try these easy troubleshooting steps for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, or BlackBerry.

Still not working? Reactivate Duo Mobile or contact IT Central at itcentral@newschool.edu or 646.909.4357

I have a new phone and can’t access Duo. What should I do?

When you get a new phone, it will lose its association with your Duo account, even if you install Duo Mobile on the new device. If the phone number of your new phone is the same, you can still authenticate using the phone call option, but the push option will not work until the device is re-activated.

What should I do if Duo prompts me to approve a login that I did not initiate?

Someone may be trying to obtain unauthorized access to your account. You should immediately deny the request, change your NetID password, and contact IT Central to report the incident.

What do I do if I do not have my phone or other device to use Duo authentication?

Please call IT Central at 646.909.4357, email us at ITCentral@newschool.edu, or stop by the IT Central walk-up desk (see hours of operation here).

Will I be required to use Duo multi-factor on campus computers?

If you are logging into Google services like Gmail or Drive on an on-campus computer (classrooms, technology labs, admin hubs, and offices) you will be required to use Duo authentication.