The Oct. 31 deadline to enroll in the new, more secure method of signing into university software applications is quickly approaching.

UWM faculty and staff are required to enroll in Duo Multi-Factor Authentication, part of an initiative required by UW System in response to recent cyberattacks and data breaches.

After the open enrollment deadline, those who have not yet done so will lose access to online systems including the UW System portal, Office 365, Canvas and D2L until they enroll.

Duo is a free mobile application that allows users to quickly confirm their identity by approving push notifications before accessing university applications.

As UWM staff and faculty log in to online accounts through the university, they will be required to enter their regular credentials (ePantherID and password), then confirm their identity on a secondary device with the Duo application installed. This can be via the Duo smartphone app or a free hardware token.  After the two-factor authentication, users may proceed securely to online university sites.

Students, emeriti, annuitants, student employees and sponsored guests are currently exempt from enrolling in Duo multifactor authentication.