New to Campus? Click here for the New Enrollment Guide
What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-Factor authentication (2FA) with Duo is required for all UC Merced students, faculty, and staff.
Duo 2-Factor Authentication is designed to make sure that you are the only person that can access your UC Merced account, even if someone gets your password. Duo requires that you provide a secondary means of confirming your identity via your smartphone (the preferred method), a tablet, a landline, or a hardware token.
Authenticating is pretty simple: first, you enter your UCMNetID and password as usual. Then, the Duo 2-Factor Authentication service takes over and asks you to reconfirm your identity using a verification device of your choosing.
This short video demonstrates the basic enrollment and authentication process.
Go HERE for instructions specific to setting up Two-Factor Authentication at UC Merced.
How do I get started?
Simply follow these steps to enroll in 2-Factor Authentication.
How often will I need to authenticate with Duo?
2-Factor Authentication will be required for every UC Merced service that currently requires you to log in via the Single Sign-On page (email, UC Merced Connect, Banner, UCPath, Box, etc). When you authenticate, you can choose to ”trust browser” which will keep you authenticated for 14 days, but you may have to authenticate more than once per day if you use multiple browsers, computers, or devices.
Have more questions?
Check out our 2-Factor Authentication FAQ for even more information.
