Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) involves two different authentication methods that are performed one after the other to verify that someone or something requesting access is who they are declaring to be.
Your first authentication factor is when you enter your username and password. Then you will be required to provide another piece of information. This information could be something you know such as answers to security questions, something you have such as a smartphone, or something you are such as a fingerprint. Multi-factor authentication helps secure your account as someone who gains knowledge of your password would still not be able to access your account without also having an additional method of proving their identity.
The University of Rhode Island requires that multi-factor authentication be enabled on your URI issued accounts (@uri.edu). You will primarily use Cisco’s DUO for your account, and there are multiple supported methods including passkeys and FIDO tokens. You are able to choose what type of authentication method you would like to use, but you are required to have at least one enabled.
Directions to get started with multi-factor on your URI account are detailed in KB0010263.
You may also wish to review the Frequently Asked Questions page see KB0010319 for details.