Duo smDUO Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is required for students and staff at Amarillo College to access the AC Connect Portal and all Single Sign On (SSO) partners, such as Ellucian Colleague, Self Service, and The Student Engagement Portal (Watermark). This guide will walk you through the process of enrolling in DUO MFA and setting up your preferred authentication method.

 

Enrollment Process

  1. Log in to the AC Connect Portal using your ACNetID and password.
     
  2. Upon logging in, you will be prompted to enroll in DUO  MFA. You'll be greeted with a "Welcome to Duo" screen. Click "Next" to begin. Let the process lead you.
     
  3. One of the first screens you'll see tells you to download Duo. This takes place on your smartphone or tablet, not your PC. Whether you have a smart device or not, selecting this takes you to the next part of enrollment where you can select another option such as a tablet. DUO  can be found in the App Store for iOS  devices and in Google Play   for Android devices.
     
  4. You will be prompted to enter your phone number. This must be a mobile phone capable of receiving SMS messages at minimum. You can opt to use a tablet here, which is handy if you have a cell phone but no service. Land lines are not supported. A phone number will tie your cell phone device to your account, whether that is a smartphone or a less smart phone. Again, do not enter a landline. Registering your phone as a tablet removes the option of SMS notifications, but does allow you to use the DUO App.
     
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the enrollment process for your chosen authentication method. Complete the installation process on your smart device before you continue to log in with Duo. If you do not do this, DUO will time out and give you the option to re-send your code. After doing that and continuing, you may be taken to an AC Connect error page. Click the logo in the upper left hand corner or just navigate to AC Connect again to continue to the AC Connect Homepage.
     
  6. Lastly, continue to log into the application. You will be sent one of the following: 
    1. DUO push: This method sends a push notification to the DUO Mobile app on your smartphone. Enter the three digit code to authenticate.
    2. SMS: This method sends a text message to your phone with a passcode. Enter the passcode to authenticate. This method does not require a smartphone, but cannot be used on a landline. This comes as a 7 digit code.
    3. Duo-generated keys: This method generates a one-time use passcode within the DUO Mobile app. Enter the passcode to authenticate. This comes as a 6 digit code.
    4. Hardware tokens: This method is only available on a needed basis, and requires approval from your supervisor (if you are an employee) or they can be requested in the following areas if you are a student: The Library, The AC Bookstore, The Underground or from Ask AC in the Enrollment Center. If you have been assigned a Hardware token, also known as a Key FOB, press the green button on it to generate a 6 digit code.

If you install DUO on your smart device, the default setting is to send a DUO Push. Otherwise, you can select one of the other options. Choose your preferred authentication method from the options provided: DUO push, SMS, Duo-generated Keys, or Hardware Tokens. DUO will remember what your last MFA prompt was and send that method the next time. For example, if you select SMS, the next day/time you log in you will be sent a text by default. DUO Push is the recommended method, as it is the most secure.

Note: Enrollment will take place immediately upon logging in, so make sure to have your smartphone or other authentication device handy. You only have to enroll one time. However, if you log in from a different browser, you will be asked if you want to "Trust" this browser. If this is your personal device, go ahead and trust it. This way, you will only be asked for a passcode once per day or to be precise, once every 24 hours. If it is a public computer, such as in an Amarillo College lab or kiosk, say no. This is for your protection.

Additional Information

What exactly is a hardware token?Duo fob

  • A hardware token or "Key FOB" is a small key chain-sized device that will generate a 6 digit code. FOBs are assigned to a specific username, making them unique. Your FOB won't work on someone else's account.
  • Users assigned a hardware token will not self-enroll in DUO unless you start using a smart device. Your account will be created.

I see DUO can give me a key when offline. Where do I get that?

  • If for some reason you cannot receive the DUO Push, you can use a DUO Passcode. Open DUO and tap Show. you'll see a 6 digit code. On the page you are logging into, in your browser, select other option and choose DUO Mobile Passcode. Enter the passcode from your DUO App and you'll be logged in.

If I can get a text, why do I need to get the DUO app?

  • Simply put, the app is more secure. A phone number can be "spoofed". We are not saying MFA is perfect, just that it is providing as much protection as possible.

If I can get a text why can't I get a phone call?

  • Phone calls are the most unreliable MFA methods DUO allows. It just is not practical as each call, whether received or not, counts against our yearly allotment. Calls to landlines are twice as expensive as SMS messages. Calls to cell phones are 5 times as expensive.

I don't want to use my personal phone or don't have a DUO compatible device. What are my options?

  • If you do not want to, or cannot download the DUO App, your options are receiving a text or getting a Key FOB. Technically, getting a text is using your personal device, but it is not asking you to install an app. FOB's have to be requested.

Is this app going to drain my battery? Does it take up a lot of space?

  • If you are using a single computer/laptop, you'll use DUO about once per day. You'll never see this in a list of battery intensive apps. It doesn't take up much space either. DUO does 3 things:
    • Store accounts that use DUO. You can use this app for other applications besides AC Connect such as Social Media, purchasing apps etc.
    • Generate passcodes in case you are not getting a push.
    • Allow you to enter the three digit code from a push.

That's it. That is all the app does. It is a resource light app that won't bog your device down.

What to Do if You Lose or Break Your Phone

If You Lose Your Phone:
  1. Request a Temporary Bypass Code: Submit a support request for a temporary bypass code. This code will allow you to access your account for 24 hours. You will need a new code each day until you have your mobile device again.
If Your Phone is Broken:
  • For Repairs: If your phone will be repaired (and not replaced), you can continue using it as normal once it is fixed.
  • Request a Temporary Bypass Code: Submit a support request for a temporary bypass code. This code will allow you to access your account for 24 hours. You will need a new code each day until you have your mobile device again.
  • For Replacements or New Phone Number:
    1. Download the DUO app on your new phone.
    2. Submit a support request to have the TIC generate a new account text message. This will help you register your new device or phone number with DUO.
      • After receiving the text from DUO, tap the link, and open in DUO. (It will ask you this). Follow the onscreen instructions, the account will be called Amarillo College.
      • Once the account is set up, log into AC Connect. if prompted for a bypass code, click other options, then click DUO Push.
      • Once you receive the push on your new device, you will know your setup is complete.
    3. If you still have the old phone number, you can add the new number to your account. Click other options, then manage devices. You'll get a DUO notification on your original device. Once you are in, you can add the new number and remove the original.
Need Help?
  • If you're stuck or need immediate assistance, don't hesitate to contact our tech support at TIC@actx.edu. We're here to help!

Using DUO when offline or where phones are not allowed

There will likely be times that you cannot use your phone for a number of reasons.

  1. No wifi signal
  2. No cell reception
  3. You are prohibited from using your phone in a lab/testing setting.

This is where the DUO App can provide you with an access code. You can also use a Key Fob here if you have one. And it is a very easy procedure.

First, make sure you are on Amarillo College's wifi. If you are on the wifi you can receive a text. You may need to enable wifi calling on your device. This alone will likely fix your issue. However, if not, you will need the DUO app, and your phone must support using the app.

  1. Open the DUO App
  2. Tap show for Amarillo College. (You can use your DUO App for a number of other 3rd party applications for MFA, and are encouraged to do so.)
  3. Write down your 6 digit access code.

The next step is to log into AC Connect or any of our Single Sign On partners, such as Colleague, Self Service or Blackboard.

  1. You'll get a DUO push to your phone, but you have your access code. Click on "Other Options"
  2. Click "DUO Mobile Passcode" for use with the DUO APP generated code, or "Use Hardware Token" if you have a Key FOB.
  3. Enter the 6 digit passcode you wrote down earlier, or is you have a Key FOB, press the green button to show your code.

DUO defaults to the last method you used to authenticate. So, the next time you log into AC Connect, Click "Other Options" again and switch to DUO Push. 

If you experience any issues with DUO MFA, please contact the TIC for assistance.

Enrolling in DUO MFA is an important step in securing your Amarillo College accounts and protecting your personal information. By following the instructions in this guide, you can set up DUO MFA quickly and easily, and choose the authentication method that works best for you.

 
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