Two-factor authentication (2FA), provides an additional layer of security protection for your Ball State online account.  By requiring a second authentication method, two-factor authentication helps protect your sensitive information from social engineering, like phishing attacks. Even if your username and password are compromised, your account is not accessible without access to the second authentication method that two-factor authentication provides.

To protect yourself, never verify or accept a two-factor authentication request that you did not initiate.  Do not share your Ball State username and password with anyone, including friends, family or even your parents. This ensures that you know exactly when a two-factor authentication push is requested.

Two-Factor Authentication with Duo

Ball State uses Duo Security as this second level of security. Ball State students, faculty, and staff have access to two supported methods for using Duo two-factor authentication: download and install the Duo application from your App Store, or use a security token that you can obtain from the Technology Helpdesk.

Two-factor authentication through Duo will not only help secure the campus network, it will also ensure only authorized users can access critical information, such as employee banking information, student financial aid, or other sensitive information. If someone gained access to your Ball State password, two-factor authentication would provide added protection, similarly to the way a debit card can only be used with a corresponding PIN.

In addition to easy enrollment on a device you already have, Duo’s secure cloud-based environment meets all federal and industry compliance regulations as well.

Using a Mobile Device

You can download and install Duo to your mobile phone or tablet from your device’s app store. The app allows you to have push notifications sent to your mobile device, or you can open the app and get a passcode to use.  Learn how to set-up two-factor authentication using a mobile device.    

Using a Security Token

If you cannot or would prefer not to use a mobile device, you can contact the Tech Center, located in BL 101, to pick up a security token which you can use for two-factor authentication instead of your mobile device.  Learn more about using a security token for two-factor authentication.

When you log into your Ball State MS Outlook account, Canvas, or other services requiring two-factor authentication, you will start by entering your Ball State credentials (username and password).  Then you will be prompted to use Duo to confirm your identity by using one of the following methods:

  • Sending a Push notification to the Duo Mobile app on your smartphone that you acknowledge to confirm your identity.
  • Entering a code from your Hardware Token on the Duo Authentication when prompted.

Using the same phone number

If you replace your phone that was previously enrolled in Duo, but have the same phone number, there are two ways to activate Duo on your new device.

The first allows you to reactivate your new device if you have more than one device set up on your Duo account (for example, your phone and a tablet, or you're phone and a token). You can follow the instructions in this Technology Knowledge base article.

How do I reactivate Duo Security on my mobile device?

Note: This method works only if you have access to the old device or another device registered to your Duo account. If you don't have access to your old device, or it's been erased/restored, (i.e., you only have one device registered with Duo) you will need to call the Technology HelpDesk at 765-285-1517 to activate your new device.

The second method lets you make it easier to restore your Duo account to a new mobile phone, but you must set it up in advance of setting up a new device. To do so, you can use Duo Restore, a feature provided by Duo Security, that allows you to store your setup information with Duo and restore it to a new device over the internet.

This Technology Knowledge Base article has the step-by-step instructions you need to set up Duo Restore.

Backing Up and Restoring Duo Two-Factor Authentication on a Device

Using a new phone number

If you are getting a new phone number, whether or not you are replacing your mobile phone, you must re-enroll that number in Duo as if you were setting it up for the first time. See the instructions above for setting up Duo on your Device.

More information about Duo two-factor authentication, including answers to frequently asked questions about using Duo two-factor at Ball State, are available in the Technology HelpDesk Knowledge Base. You can also find all of our Technology Knowledge Base articles, along with other resources at https://www.bsu.edu/twofactorhelp/.

If you have further questions or need help with two-factor authentication or the Duo app, please contact the Technology HelpDesk by submitting a request at https://www.bsu.edu/helpdesk, or call them at 765-285-1517.