Employees may purchase hardware devices for two-factor authentication through Mountaineer Marketplace starting Monday, Feb. 12. Just log into MyAccess.wvu.edu and click on the My Tools tab to reach Mountaineer Marketplace. Either state or Research Corp. funding may be used, subject to permission from your EBO and/or department head.
Two-factor authentication is a second layer of security besides your password. It requires you to confirm your identity with two things – something you know and something you have. Essentially, it’s no different than a physical key to a door: If you want access to something WVU considers important or sensitive, you have to prove who you are to gain access. By the end of April, all employees on all campuses will be using two-factor.
Information Technology Services recommends that faculty and staff use the free Duo Mobile app, which requires neither cell phone data or Wi-Fi to work. However, there are two hardware options for people who want a backup device or don’t have a smart phone.
The Duo display token generates a one-time passcode at the press of a button, while a USB-type device called a Yubikey will let you authenticate at the press of a button if you use the Chrome browser and have a USB port on your device. Each device costs $20.
You can learn about Duo Display Tokens and YubiKeys online. Shipping starts at $4 for off-campus deliveries. Purchases may be picked up for free at the Computer Repair and Assistance offices in G49 Brooke Tower or the IT Service Center in the Mountainlair.
Direct any questions to ITSHelp@mail.wvu.edu or call the ITS Service Desk at 304.293.4444.
For more information visit the News page on the Information Technology Services website.