UNT System Administrative Announcement: Protecting Your Sensitive Payroll and Direct Deposit Information via Multi-Factor Authentication

 

At the University of North Texas System, our people - students, faculty and staff - form the backbone of our world-class institutions. And whether it's a physical or virtual environment, safety and security for our people is a top priority across UNT World. 

With that in mind, we are requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) across UNT World for faculty and staff as it relates to sensitive payroll and direct deposit information. This means that all faculty and staff from all UNT System institutions will be asked to protect their identity and valuable personal information from cyber threats by registering for multi-factor authentication by Jan. 30, 2020, through our security partner, DUO.

 

WHY MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION?  

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that adds an additional layer of protection to sensitive information. It requires an individual to provide secondary information that verifies that the individual is authorized to access the information before the individual is allowed to view or change the information. For example, an ATM requires you to have both your physical bank card and your four-digit pin to get cash—multiple factors.

Given the size and scope of UNT World, our institutions are frequent targets of cyber-security criminals - this includes phishing incidents that can lead to fraud and identity theft. The widespread practice of storing personal information through technology, combined with more and more sophisticated cybercriminals and criminal organizations, make us more susceptible to threats.

The UNT System launched a convenient and secure self-service function for faculty and staff to update their direct deposit information and add multi-factor authentication through DUO in August 2019. And while hundreds of UNT System team members have already elected to protect their personal information through this service, we are now asking all faculty and staff to register with DUO by Jan. 30. After the self-enrollment deadline passes, faculty and staff who did not sign up for DUO will be automatically enrolled for their own protection. 

 

HOW DO I REGISTER WITH DUO FOR MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION? 

In order to take advantage of DUO's industry-leading security features, simply enroll online at https://mfa.untsystem.edu. Once securely enrolled, you will be able to update your direct deposit information in EIS.

See below for a FAQ and instructions on how to register with DUO. For technical questions or assistance, please contact your local department's IT support group, or the UNT System Service Desk at 940-565-HELP (4357) or ITHELP@untsystem.edu.

 

MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION FAQ

What are the benefits of multi-factor authentication? 

Multi-factor authentication improves the security of technology, which in turn protects sensitive information from being accessed and used by unauthorized individuals for fraudulent purposes. It reduces the risks of identity theft and financial loss to employees and the University. Multi-factor authentication is also being implemented to comply with state law, Texas Administrative Code §202.76.

What is DUO?  

A subsidiary of Cisco, DUO is the leading provider of unified access security and multi-factor authentication delivered through the cloud. To learn more, please visit: http://duo.com.

What happens if I do not enroll in DUO?

If you do not self-enroll in DUO by Jan. 30, 2020, you will be automatically enrolled in DUO using contact information we have on file for you. This will protect your account from unauthorized access.

Where do I go for help with enrolling in DUO or using MFA?

If you have any questions or need assistance, you may contact your local department's IT support group, the UNT System Service Desk at 940-565-HELP (4357) or email ITHELP@untsystem.edu.

Where do I go for help with direct deposit?

If you have questions regarding your direct deposit information, you may contact Payroll at 940-369-5500, toll-free at 855-868-4357, or email Payroll@untsystem.edu.

 

HOW TO ENROLL IN MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

These instructions provide information on the steps required to enroll in MFA, how to register your mobile device using the “Duo Mobile” app, and how to register a backup device.

Verify Your Identity

Register Your Mobile Device and Install the Duo Mobile App