Duo: Using Duo and Traveling Internationally


What is Duo Mobile?

Auburn University uses Duo Security for multi-factor authentication (MFA) to verify identity during login using a physical device. The physical device may be a smartphone or tablet using the Duo Mobile app, a text message to a cell phone, an automated voice call to a landline or cell phone, or a Duo hardware token. Users are encouraged to register at least two devices for backup. The Duo Mobile app is the recommended method for multi-factor authentication. 

Why Duo Mobile Is Needed

Duo Mobile is a security requirement for Auburn University employees and students. Duo Mobile uses MFA to confirm your identity when accessing certain university resources. 

Duo Mobile Minimum Requirements

Applications/Resources Requiring Duo Mobile

This is a partial list of software utilized by Auburn and whether it is protected by VPN or Duo MFA.

VPN Required:

MFA Required (VPN is NOT Required):

Auburn Credentials Required (VPN and Duo MFA Not Required):

When traveling internationally, you will need Duo to access Auburn resources, including email, VPN, and other applications.  Before you begin your trip, please review the following scenarios to see what you will need to do.

I will be traveling with a university-owned device.

There are a few options when traveling with your University-owned device.  To make sure your Duo connections are successful, please consider the following items:

  1. If traveling on University business, temporarily adding an international calling plan may be an option for you.  Consult with your Distributed IT Group or OIT Cellular Services (email oitcell@auburn.edu) about your device's calling plan. OIT Cellular Services can assist you with adding TravelPass to your cellular device using the Add or Remove a Cellular Service Feature request form. 

  2. Even if you do not require an international calling plan, most current Android and iPhone devices are able to receive the Duo push notifications when connected to a WiFi network. To use Duo with WiFi, you will need to install the Duo app and register your phone as a device/tablet before you travel.  Contact the IT Service Desk at (334) 844-4944 for assistance with adding your phone as a device/tablet.

I will be traveling with a personal device, but I will not have an International Calling/Data Plan.

As long as you have WiFi access internationally, Duo will still work, even if you do not have an International calling/data plan. To use Duo with WiFi, you will need to install the Duo app and register your phone as a device/tablet before you travel.  Contact the IT Service Desk at (334) 844-4944 for assistance with adding your phone as a device/tablet.

I will be traveling with a personal device, and I will have an International Calling/Data Plan.

  1. Ensure that your device has the latest version of the Duo app installed and that it works correctly before leaving the United States.

  2. If you prefer to utilize the Duo call or text method, purchasing an international phone and data plan will allow this method to continue to work.  

When I arrive at my destination, I will be receiving a new device or SIM card specific to that country.

  1. You will need to contact the IT Service Desk and have your new phone number added to your Duo account. 

  2. When you return to the United States, you will need to remove the international number from your account.  Contact the IT Service Desk for assistance. 

I will not be taking a device while traveling.

  1. Prior to your departure, you can purchase a Duo token from the Auburn University Bookstore.  

  2. Once purchased, the Duo token can be activated at the IT Service Desk (3010 RBD Library).  Learn more about Duo token authentication in the Knowledge Base article: Duo: Using a Duo Token.

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