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Transition Your Two-Step Authentication

Overview

The two-step authentication service was updated in December 2014 to offer more ways to authenticate. The method you currently use to authenticate will continue to work but you may want to use some of the new authentication methods.

When you log in to the Accounts app for the first time  to review or change the method you currently use for your mobile phone or Google Authenticator, you will see a note that says your device can do more with Stanford's new two-step authentication.

For SMS Text Message the Two-Step Authentication Devices screen displays:

Screenshot of first-time login to Accounts App with SMS Text Message as th

Click Set up this device to update your two-step authentication method.

 

For Google Authenticator, the Two-Step Authentication Devices screen displays:

Screenshot of first-time login to Accounts App with Google Authenticator as the method.

Click Set up my device to update your two-step authentication method.

Additional methods available for your device

The following Device and Method table describes other methods that are now available for your device.

Device current method you are using Available methods Data/call/Internet Access  requirement
Smartphone
  • SMS Text
  • ​SMS Text
  • Duo Mobile Push
  • SMS Text Message (text message rates may apply)*
  • Internet access or data plan required
  • Google Authenticator
  • Duo Mobile Authenticator
  • Internet not required
 
  • Phone call
  • Call plan required

Tablet
  • Google Authenticator
  • Duo Mobile Authenticator
  • Internet not required
  • Duo Mobile Push
  • Internet access or data plan required
Mobile Phone
  • SMS text message
  • Mobile phones with SMS text messaging capability
  • SMS Text Message (text message rates may apply)*
  • Phone call
  • Call plan required
Printed List
(not recommended)
  • Printed list passcode
  • Hardware Token (coming in 2015)
  • Internet not required

*International text messaging is available with a cost limit of $.20 per text message. If the text message rate is higher for an international area you are visiting, the text message method will not work. The recommended method for international two-step authentication is Duo Mobile Authenticator, Printed List, or Hardware Token (coming later in 2015).

How to get Duo Mobile on your smartphone or tablet

The latest version of  two-step authentication supports using Duo Mobile for authentication on smartphones and tablets. Duo Mobile is a free app that you download from your platform's app store and then activate for Stanford's network. Duo Mobile provides two methods for authentication: push notification and passcode. Push notification is the easiest and quickest way to authenticate - simply tap a button on your device. The app also contains a passcode generator so you don't have to have cellular or internet access to authenticate (as you do with push notifications).

For instructions on how to install  Duo Mobile,  see Set up a Smartphone or Set up a Tablet. 

Help and Resources

For help installing or configuring your two-step authentication, call the IT Service Desk at  5-HELP (650-725-4357) or submit a HelpSU request.

Last modified January 29, 2015