Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with Duo

Two-Factor Authentication is required for all ARC system logins.

What is 2FA?

2FA adds a second layer of security beyond your username/password:

  • First factor: Something you know (username/password)

  • Second factor: Something you have (smartphone/tablet with Duo app)

Even if someone steals your password, they cannot login without your second factor device.

Enrolling in 2FA

Prerequisites

  • Smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)

  • Internet connection on your device

  • If you don’t have a smartphone/tablet, contact ARC Helpdesk

Step-by-Step Enrollment

  1. Open browser to http://taps.hpc.msstate.edu

  2. Login with your ARC username and password

  3. Click “Start Setup”

  4. Select device type: Mobile phone or tablet

  5. Enter phone number (for phones only) and verify

  6. Install Duo Mobile app:

    • iOS: App Store search “Duo Mobile”

    • Android: Google Play search “Duo Mobile”

  7. Open Duo Mobile app and tap the “+” button

  8. Scan the barcode displayed on the website

    • Green checkmark = successful scan

  9. Click “Continue” then “Continue to Login”

  10. Click “Send Me a Push”

  11. Approve the request in your Duo app

  12. Congratulations! 2FA enrollment complete

Using 2FA for Login

Method 2: Passcode

  1. Enter username and password

  2. On Duo screen, click “Enter a Passcode”

  3. Open Duo Mobile app

  4. Tap the “Key” symbol to generate passcode

  5. Enter the 6-digit passcode

  6. Passcodes expire quickly - refresh if it fails

Adding Multiple Devices

You can register multiple devices (phone + tablet):

  1. Go to http://taps.hpc.msstate.edu

  2. Login with credentials

  3. Click “Add a new device”

  4. Click “Send Me a Push”

  5. Approve on your existing device

  6. Follow enrollment steps for new device

Hardware Tokens

For users without smartphones, hardware tokens are available:

  • Faculty/Staff: Request via Help@ARC ticket

  • Students: Special cause required (contact helpdesk)

  • Cost: Hardware tokens have a cost, limited issuance

Using Hardware Token

  1. On Duo screen, select “Enter a Passcode”

  2. Press button on hardware token

  3. Enter the displayed passcode

  4. Token and smartphone can be used simultaneously

Troubleshooting

Lost/Replaced Phone

  1. Use a registered backup device to login

  2. Go to http://taps.hpc.msstate.edu

  3. Remove old device and add new one

  4. If no backup devices: Contact Helpdesk

Duo App Not Working

  1. Ensure app is updated to latest version

  2. Check internet connection on device

  3. Try passcode method instead of push

  4. If persistent: Contact Helpdesk

Can’t Receive Push

  • Check device has internet connectivity

  • Verify Duo app notifications are enabled

  • Try passcode method as alternative

Security Tips

  • Never share your 2FA approval with others

  • Reject unfamiliar login attempts immediately

  • Keep Duo app updated for security patches

  • Register backup devices in case primary is lost

Getting Help