Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now being required across UNT System for faculty and staff as it relates to sensitive payroll and direct deposit information. This means that all faculty and staff from all UNT System institutions will be asked to protect their identity and valuable personal information from cyber threats by registering for multi-factor authentication by January 30, 2020, through our security partner, DUO.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that adds an additional layer of protection to sensitive information. It requires an individual to provide secondary information that verifies that the individual is authorized to access the information before the individual is allowed to view or change the information. For example, an ATM requires you to have both your physical bank card and your four-digit pin to get cash—multiple factors.

Given the size and scope of UNT System, our institutions are frequent targets of cyber-security criminals – this includes phishing incidents that can lead to fraud and identity theft. The widespread practice of storing personal information through technology, combined with more and more sophisticated cybercriminals and criminal organizations, make us more susceptible to threats.

The UNT System launched a convenient and secure self-service function for faculty and staff to update their direct deposit information and add multi-factor authentication through DUO in August 2019. And while hundreds of UNT System team members have already elected to protect their personal information through this service, we are now asking all faculty and staff to register with DUO by January 30. After the self-enrollment deadline passes, faculty and staff who did not sign up for DUO will be automatically enrolled for their own protection.

World Multi-Factor Authentication FAQ

What are the benefits of multi-factor authentication?

Multi-factor authentication improves the security of technology, which in turn protects sensitive information from being accessed and used by unauthorized individuals for fraudulent purposes. It reduces the risks of identity theft and financial loss to employees and the University. Multi-factor authentication is also being implemented to comply with state law, Texas Administrative Code §202.76.

What is DUO?

A subsidiary of Cisco, DUO is the leading provider of unified access security and multi-factor authentication delivered through the cloud. To learn more, please visit: http://duo.com.

Where can I find instructions on how to enroll in DUO?

You can find instructions for enrolling in DUO here.

What happens if I do not enroll in DUO?

If you do not self-enroll in DUO by January 30, 2020, you will be automatically enrolled in DUO using contact information we have on file for you. This will protect your account from unauthorized access.

Where do I go for help with enrolling in DUO or using MFA?

If you have any questions or need assistance, you may contact your local department’s IT support group, the UNT System Service Desk at 940.565.HELP (4357) or email ITHELP@untsystem.edu

Where do I go for help with direct deposit?

If you have questions regarding your direct deposit information, you may contact Payroll at 940.369.5500, toll-free at 855.868.4357, or email Payroll@untsystem.edu

What happens after I enroll?

After you enroll in DUO, you will only need use multi-factor authentication when you need to change your direct deposit information in EIS. In the future, DUO will be used to protect other applications but you only need to register once in order to take advantage of the protection that DUO provides.

What do I do if I need to make a change to my direct deposit information after I have enrolled?

If you need to make a change to your direct deposit information in EIS, log into my.untsystem.edu. In the left menu bar under “Payroll & Compensation” select “Direct Deposit”. On the Direct Deposit page, select “Unlock via MFA” then choose one of the three methods in which you would like authenticate.

  • If you would like to receive a phone call select “Call Me”. DUO will call the number that you provided when you enrolled and you will be prompted to press a key to access direct deposit information.
  • If you would like to receive a passcode via text message select “Enter a Passcode” then select “Text Me New Codes” and DUO will send a text containing a passcode to the device that you registered. When you receive the passcode enter it into box next to “Log In”, then select the “Log In” box.
  • If you would like to respond to a prompt from DUO select “Send Me a Push” then Select “Approve”.
Once I’m registered, do I need to keep the DUO app on my phone?

Yes, the DUO app is needed in order for you to receive prompts when attempts to access your direct deposit information are made.

Will I need to use a Duo Mobile passcode often?

If you elect to have a passcode sent to your device, you will only need to use the passcode when you wish to access or change your direct deposit information. The passcode is only good for a limited time. You do not need to keep it. If you need to access the direct deposit page again you can generate a new passcode.

When, where and how will I need to use this passcode once I’ve registered?

If you would like to receive a passcode to access your direct deposit information in EIS, DUO will ask you to choose an option for authenticating: “Call Me”, “Enter Passcode”, or “Send Me a Push”. Select “Enter a Passcode” and select “Text Me New Codes”. DUO will send a text containing the passcode to your registered device. Enter the passcode that you received into EIS and you will be allowed to access your direct deposit information.

Why does my direct deposit information have to be updated? Does that update also need to be done by January 30?

You do not need to update your direct deposit information unless you need to make a change to it in EIS. There is no deadline to update your direct deposit information. However, you will need to enroll in MFA online at mfa.untsystem.edu by January 30, 2020 in order to protect your direct deposit information from unauthorized individuals that may attempt to gain access to it or change it without your permission.