Services / Universities / University of California, San Diego

University of California, San Diego

Universities · ucsd.edu

Three second factors on offer: security key, approval in an app and hardware token. 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

Not offered: authenticator app, text message, phone call, email code.

Switch it on

General steps; menu names vary. University of California, San Diego's own guide has the exact screens.

  1. Sign in to University of California, San Diego and open your account's security settings. Look for two-step verification or two-factor authentication. University of California, San Diego'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.
University of California, San Diego's setup guide ↗