Use Two-Factor for Your Personal Accounts

Two-factor authentication provides additional security for your accounts, and many apps and services offer it. Use it whenever it is offered. With two-factor authentication, anyone trying to log in as you must provide two proofs of ID:

  • Something you know, such as your password.
  • Something you have, such as a passcode, a phone, or even a mobile app.

Two-factor for U-M Weblogin is required for faculty, staff, students, and sponsored affiliates. Retirees and alumni are encouraged to turn it on for themselves.

Everyone is encouraged to turn on two-factor with their personal accounts, wherever available. Many popular services and websites, including Facebook and Snapchat, offer two-factor authentication.

Instructions Vary by Service

Two-factor goes by many different names—such as two-step verification, login approval, login verification, and so on—but they all protect your information and accounts.

See Two Factor Auth (2FA) for:

  • A list of popular websites and services and whether or not they offer two-factor protection.
  • Links to instructions (in the "Docs" column) for turning on two-factor where available.

Duo May Be an Option

If you already use the Duo Mobile app for two-factor authentication at U-M, you might also be able to use it with your personal non-university accounts.

  • If a service mentions Google Authenticator, the Duo Mobile app can be used in its place.
  • Websites that allow you to use Duo will display a QR code you can scan with the Duo Mobile app to get started.