Services / Universities / Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University

Universities · psu.edu

Five second factors on offer: security key, approval in an app, hardware token, text message and phone call. The strongest is a security key.

Recommended setup

Security key + app approval backup

A security key only answers the real site, so it can't be phished. Set up a second method too, so a lost key doesn't lock you out.

KeySecurity keyBest option
PushApproval in an appDuo
TokenHardware tokenDuo D100 Token
SMSText messageSupported
CallPhone callSupported

Not offered: authenticator app, email code.

Switch it on

General steps; menu names vary. Pennsylvania State University's own guide has the exact screens.

  1. Sign in to Pennsylvania State University and open your account's security settings. Look for two-step verification or two-factor authentication. Pennsylvania State University's own guide shows the exact screens.
  2. Install Duo on your phone and sign in. Turn on sign-in approvals when it asks.
  3. Choose security key. Insert a USB key, or hold an NFC key to your phone, and touch it when it blinks. Register a spare key too.
  4. Save the backup codes. Keep them in your password manager or print them; they're your way back in if you lose your phone or key.
Pennsylvania State University's setup guide ↗