Information Technology Services

Passwords alone no longer provide adequate protection against cyber hacking. 2FA, implemented at FGCU through Duo Security, is an added security measure to your FGCU username and password, similar to protecting your bank account with a PIN number (something you know) and debit card (something you have) when you withdraw money from an ATM. 2FA provides additional security for access to institutional and personal data, and offers several options for authenticating users: a mobile push notification, one-button verification of identity to a smartphone, or a phone call.

Your password and/or PIN alone is simply not enough to protect your personal information and FGCU data. Unfortunately, phishing attempts in our FGCU email frequently prove to be successful, resulting in stolen login credentials for both students and employees. Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security in guarding the sensitive financial, educational and personal information in our University systems. 

2FA verifies your identity when you log into protected systems, providing added security in case your password is compromised. The recommended Duo Mobile app also enables a notification if someone else attempts to log in to your account.

2FA is required for all FGCU students, faculty and staff; there is no “opt-out”. Enrolling in Duo helps protect your account from compromise, and consequently applies increased protection of your own personal information, the information of our faculty, staff, students, and FGCU information systems.  

Access to Gulfline is intended for the student.  If parents, guardians, etc. wish to act as delegates, the student may add them as an “Authorized User”.  Authorized Users have the ability to log directly into the Bill & Payment Center and view the student's account, make payments, and receive statement notifications, including tax and e-bill information.  Students can assign Authorized Users as follows:   

1. Log into Gulfline
2. Click on Bill & Payment Center
3. Select “My Profile Setup” (at the right of the screen) and click Authorized Users
4. Click “Add Authorized User” and follow the steps displayed

Additional details here.

Duo Security (FGCU’s 2FA provider) allows you to choose the authentication method that works best for you. Register any phone number to which you have access to receive your authentication, or contact the Help Desk about the use of a token as an alternative. You will need a photo ID to pick one up.  Tokens are available as a one-time allocation. Lost or additional tokens must be purchased at your expense; alternatively, you may opt to utilize the recommended Duo Mobile app. To learn how to purchase your own token, visit the How to Enroll a Token Knowledge Base article.

To add or remove devices from Duo, contact the Help Desk or visit the 2FA Device Management webpage. 

Yes. The passcode option in the Duo Mobile app does not require WiFi or cellular connectivity; it even works in airplane mode. To use this option, open the Duo Mobile app on your smartphone and tap the dropdown arrow to obtain a passcode. Enter the passcode into the Duo prompt when logging into the appropriate FGCU system.

The Duo Mobile app serves only to provide two-factor authentication. It does not access any personal information on your device, nor does it track your location.

The application collects the following information to validate the security of your authentication:

• Device Name
• Operating system version
• Hardware model (iPhone X, iPad Air, Galaxy Note, etc…)
• The software version of the Duo mobile app  

The Duo Mobile app will ask for access to your phone’s camera to allow scanning of a QR code during the one time enrollment process.  For more information, please see the Duo Privacy FAQ

Yes; deleting the Duo app will not un-enroll you from Duo, but deleting the app without a secondary device registered will prevent you from authenticating to 2FA.  Reinstalling the Duo app will not grant access until it is re-registered to your account, which will require a Duo authentication.  If you deleted the app and need to reactivate it on your phone, use the 2FA Device Management page. If you do not have a second device registered, please contact the Help Desk. 

Like all other apps, the Duo Mobile app performs most efficiently and securely when updated regularly. For best results, periodically check the Duo Mobile app for updates, and keep the operating system of the device using the app updated as well. It is also good practice to back up your device on a regular basis. 

When traveling abroad, two choices are available.

• If you have a smartphone/tablet, the DUO Mobile App can generate a six-digit passcode even if your device doesn't have cellular, network or WiFi service.
• Use a token to generate a passcode. To obtain a 2FA token from the University Help Desk, contact the Help Desk at 239-590-1188 or email Help Desk.
• For more information, please refer to the Duo Travel Guide.