Services / Universities / Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University

Universities · vcu.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. Virginia Commonwealth University's own guide has the exact screens.

  1. Sign in to Virginia Commonwealth University and open your account's security settings. Look for two-step verification or two-factor authentication. Virginia Commonwealth 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.
Virginia Commonwealth University's setup guide ↗