GenInfo - Using a YubiKey for 2 Factor Authentication (2FA)

GenInfo - Using a YubiKey for 2 Factor Authentication (2FA)

Many online applications on campus require 2 Factor Authentication (2FA). There are several 2FA options available such as the mobile app Duo, receiving a text message, and others. One option for this though is using a YubiKey aka Hardware Token that is placed in a USB port of a computer. The YubiKey has a yellow circle on it that when touched, will input an authentication code to the computer to authenticate you. YubiKeys are purchased through the University webstore, and they are the only ones we can use. No other YubiKey will work with campus applications.

What a YubiKey looks like:





Steps on how to set up a new YubiKey:
1. Log into NetID Center
2. Click the blue "Manage my 2FA" button in the 2-Factor Authentication tile



3. Click "+ Add a new device"



4. Select "Hardware token"
5. Click blue "Continue" button



6. Type in the YubiKey serial number and click the blue "Continue" button.
  1. This is found on the back of the key (the numbers below the mini QR code)




7. Insert the YubiKey into a USB port on the computer and touch the yellow circle (A long string of random characters will appear in the box to show the YubiKey is installed)


Notes:
- The YubiKey can be set as the "favorite" so that any time you are required to use 2FA, it will default to the YubiKey.
- You only need to add the YubiKey one time. Once it has been set up, the YubiKey can be inserted into any PC to put in the authentication code.
- If you do not see the yellow circle light up the "y" or do not hear the chime when you plug in the YubiKey, you may have inserted it incorrectly. Do the following to try and fix it:
  1. Remove the YubiKey from the USB port
  2. Flip it over
  3. Put it back into the USB port.


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