Topics Map > Campus Services > Multi-Factor Authentication
MFA-Duo - How to Use a USB Security Key
Before following these steps, make sure you've already registered your USB device to your account. More about that here: MFA-Duo - How to Register a USB Security Key.
When prompted for MFA-Duo, click Enter a Passcode.
Verify that your USB device is plugged into a USB port on your computer.
- Making sure your cursor is in the passcode field, press the button on your Feitian USB device. The passcode field should automatically populate with a six-digit code.
Click Log In.
If you have any issues or questions, please contact the DoIT Help Desk.
The security key allows MFA-Duo users to insert the security key into the USB port of their computer or laptop to authenticate. This security key requires a reachable USB port, but this security key also works with a laptop or desktop USB to USB-C adaptor. The key is not compatible with mobile devices and only works with laptop or desktop computers.
The security key experience is slightly different for the following modes of logging in. See below for details on these modes.
Chrome web browser login
When logging in to a UW-Madison website or apps using Chrome (version 70 or later), insert the security key into your USB port, select Security Key (U2F) from the device dropdown menu, and lightly touch the impressed sensor button to initiate login.
Non-Chrome web browser or local software login
When logging into a UW-Madison website or app in Firefox or Safari, insert the security key into your USB port. Select Token from the device dropdown menu, and click the "Enter passcode" button to make the passcode input field editable. Then lightly touch the impressed sensor button to insert the passcode in the input field. If you are using a screen reader or other assistive technology, the security key may enter the passcode so quickly you may not hear the full code. The audio cue may only include the last digit of the code. Click the login button to complete authentication, as the full code should have populated the field.
(See How to use a Feitian USB Security Key for more details and screenshots on the Chrome web browser login.)
How to get a security key
Faculty and Staff New staff: get a Feitian security key from your HR representative. Feitian security keys can also be picked up at the Walk-In Help Desk at 1210 W. Dayton Street Madison, WI 53706. Current staff can get a Feitian security key at the Walk-In Help Desk at 1210 W. Dayton Street Madison, WI 53706.
Students: Get a token or security key at no charge, at either the Walk-in Help Desk at 1210 W. Dayton St. or the pop-up Help Desks from early September through October 31, 2019. Locations and times for the pop-up Help Desks will be posted on the UW-Madison Events Calendar soon. After October 31, tokens or security keys can be picked up at the Walk-In Help Desk at 1210 W. Dayton St. For other assistance, contact the DoIT Help Desk at (608) 264-4357 or email help@doit.wisc.edu.
See accessibility & usability information
We work with our users to address access and usability barriers in the MFA user experience. Learn details about known access barriers and workarounds at MFA-Duo - Accessibility & Usability Information. If you encounter a barrier or need assistance, please contact the DoIT Help Desk or call (608) 264-4357.
For questions regarding how to get access to the MFA mobile app contact the DoIT Help Desk at (608) 264-4357 or email help@doit.wisc.edu.
How to get access to a Security Key or Duo Token/Fob
Students
Students, to obtain a token/fob, please contact the DoIT Help Desk (608) 264-4357 or email help@doit.wisc.edu. Students with disabilities can also request a token or security key at the McBurney Disability Resource Center, 702 W. Johnson St., Suite #2104, Madison WI 53715 on the 2nd floor.
Faculty, Staff, and Researchers
Employees can get access to devices for MFA at their Human Resources Office or IT department. For questions contact the DoIT Help Desk at (608) 264-4357 or email help@doit.wisc.edu.