Duo: Using Duo and Traveling Internationally


What is Duo Mobile?

Auburn University uses Duo Security to prompt individuals for a secondary confirmation of their identity at log in using a physical device in their possession. This process is called multi-factor authentication, or MFA. The physical device may be a smartphone or tablet using an app, a text message to a phone, an automated voice call to landlines or cell phones, or a hardware token.

AU employees and students are strongly encouraged to register at least two alternative devices, such as a smartphone or cell phone number (as a landline) or a tablet.

Why Do I Need Duo Mobile?

Duo Mobile is a security requirement for AU employees and students. Duo Mobile uses multi-factor authentication to confirm your identity when accessing certain university resources.

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):

How Can I Use Duo When Traveling Internationally?

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

Note: Duo mobile passcodes in the Duo app are not an option during the initial Duo web registration process or when updating existing devices (for example: adding a new phone or changing the preferred order of devices). Duo mobile passcodes are an option during the authentication process.   

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 the OIT Service Desk about your device and phone/data plan.

  2. Even if you do not require an international calling plan, most current Android and iPhones are able to receive the Duo push notifications or generate passcodes when connected to a WiFi network. If you are not sure, please contact your Distributed IT group or the OIT Service Desk and discuss the possibility of downloading the Duo app or purchasing a Duo token before you travel.

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

Good news!  Duo will still work even if you do not have an International calling/data plan.

  1. To use Duo in conjunction with WiFi, you will need to use the Duo app.  Download the Duo app and test the push, text, or passcode method prior to leaving the United States.

  2. If you do not wish to use the push method or if the Wi-Fi is not strong enough to send the push, you can access your Duo app and generate a passcode.  

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 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 the that country.

  1. You will need to contact the OIT Service Desk (itservicedesk@auburn.edu; 334-844-4944) and have your new phone number added your Duo account.  If you are unable to call, you can connect with our IT Staff via Zoom at aub.ie/sdhelp (Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM CT - 4:30 PM CT), and they will be able to assist you.

  2. When you return to the U.S., you will need to remove the international number from your account.  You can do this by accessing your own Duo account using your previously registered U.S. phone number, or contacting the OIT Service Desk for assistance. 

I will not be taking a device while traveling.

  1. Prior to your departure to another country, you may purchase a Duo token from the AU Bookstore Kiosk in the RBD Library for $20.  

  2. Once purchased, this token can be activated at the OIT Service Desk on the 3rd Floor of the RBD Library.  This is a non-refundable purchase and the token is yours to keep. Learn more about token authentication in the Knowledge Base article Duo: Using a Duo Token.

I have an International number on the same phone I have registered for local calls. Should I also register the International phone number?

When outside the country, will I get an International push from Duo?

Can I get a few passcodes to take with me before I travel?

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