Adding a Security Key to Your Duo Account

You can add a security key (YubiKey) as an additional authentication method to securely log in to GU applications.

Before You Set up Your YubiKey

  • You’ll need to purchase a YubiKey. The following are recommended models:
  • Make sure you’ve installed the latest updates for your browser and computer operating system.

Adding a Security Key (Mac)

  1. Insert your YubiKey into your computer.
  2. Open a browser window in incognito/private mode, and then go to the login page of any GU application.
  3. At the GU prompt, enter your NetID and password and then click Sign in.
    Image of Georgetown login prompt. Enter your NetID and password, then click 'Sign in'.
  4. In the Duo screen displayed, click the link Other options.
    In the Duo screen, click 'Other options'.
  5. In the next Duo screen, select Manage Devices.
    Image of Duo authentication options. Click on 'Manage devices'.
  6. In the next Duo screen, choose an authentication method.
    In the Duo screen, select an authentication method to verify your identity.

    After you verify your identity, you should see the following confirmation screen:
    Image of confirmation of identity verification. You'll be redirected to the devices page.
  7. Click Add a device. (Note: Once you add the key to Duo, you can leave the key plugged in if you want.)
    Click on 'Add a device'.
  8. In the “Select an option” Duo screen, select Security key.
    Image of "Select an option" screen. Select 'Security key'.
  9. In the next Duo screen, click Continue.
    Click 'Continue'.
  10. Click Cancel in the following screen.
    Duo screen of QR code.
  11. If your security key has metal sensors on either side, use your thumb and index finger to lightly touch and then release each of the protruding metal sensors simultaneously. If your key has a ‘Y’ enclosed in a circle, lightly touch that circle.

    You should then see the following confirmation screen displayed:
    Image of confirmation that your security key was added. Click 'Continue'.

    (Note: You might also receive a confirmation email from Duo Security, and a text message on your mobile device, that your key was added.)
  12. Click Continue.

    You should see your security key listed in Duo.
    Your security key listed in Duo.

You can now use your security key to log in to GU online applications.

Adding a Security Key (Windows)

  1. Insert your YubiKey into your computer.
  2. Open a browser window in incognito/private mode, and then go to the login page of any GU application.
  3. At the GU prompt, enter your NetID and password and then click Sign in.
    Image of Georgetown login prompt. Enter your NetID and password, then click 'Sign in'.
  4. In the Duo screen displayed, click the link Other options.
    In the Duo screen, click 'Other options'.
  5. In the next Duo screen, select Manage Devices.
    Image of Duo authentication options. Click on 'Manage devices'.
  6. In the next Duo screen, choose an authentication method.
    In the Duo screen, select an authentication method to verify your identity.

    After you verify your identity, you should see the following confirmation screen:
    Image of confirmation of identity verification. You'll be redirected to the devices page.
  7. Click Add a device. (Note: Once you add the key to Duo, you can leave the key plugged in if you want.)
    Click on 'Add a device'.
  8. In the “Select an option” Duo screen, select Security key.
    Image of "Select an option" screen. Select 'Security key'.
  9. In the next Duo screen, click Continue.
    Click 'Continue'.
  10. In the next window, select Security key and then click OK.
    Select 'Security key', and then click 'Next'.
  11. In the next window, click OK.
    Click 'OK'.
  12. Per instructions on the next window, touch your security key.
    Image of pop-up window instructing you to touch your security key.

    If your security key has protruding metal sensors on either side, use your thumb and index finger to lightly touch and then release each of the sensors simultaneously. If your key has a ‘Y’ enclosed in a circle, lightly touch that circle with your index finger.
  13. Click OK in the passkey confirmation window.
    Image of confirmation message window. Click 'OK'.

    You should then see the following Duo confirmation screen displayed:
    Image of confirmation that your security key was added. Click 'Continue'.

    (Note: You might also receive a confirmation email from Duo Security, and a text message on your mobile device, that your key was added.)
  14. Click Continue.

    You should see your security key listed in Duo.
    Your security key listed in Duo.

You can now use your security key to log in to GU online applications.