Important Note:

The USB Security Key currently sold by the Webstore (Security Key NFC by Yubico) uses modern and secure WebAuthn/FIDO2 authentication standards.

The Duo Universal Prompt used by Urbana, Chicago, and Springfield login pages support these standards. Some AITS login pages use the Duo Universal Prompt as well.

However, the older custom Duo prompts cannot be used with the Security Keys sold by the Webstore. AITS is in the process of transitioning their applications to the new Duo Universal Prompt.

As of the time of writing, some major applications using the older prompt (and thus incompatible with these Security Keys) include:

• iBuy
• System Human Resource Services (https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/) where earnings statements and My UI Info can be accessed.

Additionally, the NetID Center does not support registering security keys. Registration must be done via a Duo Universal Prompt when logging into an Urbana M365 (Outlook, Teams, etc.) or Shibboleth (Canvas, Box, etc.) application. Currently, only the Urbana Duo application has the device management option turned on. See section below for instructions.

Obtaining a Hardware Token

Only tokens purchased through the University of Illinois Webstore are fully supported for authentication with Duo. They are set up with the private identity and secret key for the University's MFA service. The University has a tightly controlled provisioning process to meet the University's security needs.

While any staff or faculty member can purchase a token through the University of Illinois Webstore, you may want to check with your manager or department lead on the process for providing tokens to its employees. Students are also eligible to purchase hardware tokens. Shipping/Delivery information is detailed during your ordering process.  Tokens can only be used with University resources.  Unit purchases are considered property of the University and token use must comply with all appropriate policies.

Important info regarding security keys:

As stated at the top of the article, the new security keys sold by the Webstore are compatible with the Duo Universal Prompt, but not with the AITS custom Duo prompt.

Users can also bring their own WebAuthn/FIDO2 compatible security keys for authenticating at a Duo Universal Prompt (Urbana, Chicago, and Springfield login pages), with the following caveats:

• Like with the security keys sold by the Webstore, these will not be able to be used for authentication at AITS-hosted Duo prompts when logging into their services such as Banner, HR systems, My UI Info, etc. Because of this, we recommend that you have a backup authentication option set up.
• Support is limited for security keys not purchased through the Webstore.

Hardware Token Options

There are currently three hardware token options sold by the Webstore:

Token Comparison

Token Type	Security Key (USB-A)	Security Key (USB-C)
Product Image
Description	A small USB device that you insert into your computer.  You press a button on the token to authenticate when prompted. The Security Key is the preferred option in terms of accessibility, particularly for those visually impaired. User will need access to the USB device in order to authenticate.  If it is not within reach, the OTP C100 would be a better option.	A small USB device that you insert into your computer.  You press a button on the token to authenticate when prompted. The Security Key is the preferred option in terms of accessibility, particularly for those visually impaired. User will need access to the USB device in order to authenticate.  If it is not within reach, the OTP C100 would be a better option.
Dimensions	18mm x 45mm x 3.3mm	18mm x 45mm x 3.3mm
Weight	3.0g	3.0g
Price	See University of Illinois WebStore.	See University of Illinois Webstore
Requirements	Any computing device with a USB-A port	Any computing device with a USB-C port

Registering and Using your Hardware Token or Security Key

Note: The Security Key model currently sold by the Webstore (Security Key NFC by Yubico) is not compatible with the custom Duo prompt used at some AITS login pages.

Please follow the instructions for your device:

Security Key (from Webstore or B.Y.O.D.) 

Additional Information

Forgotten hardware tokens

If you forgot your token and cannot log into the system requiring 2FA, visit NetID Center - Get temporary passcode at the bottom of the page.

Lost hardware tokens

If you lose your hardware token, you should immediately sign into the NetID Center using an alternate method or by generating a bypass code. Once in the NetID Center, click on "Manage my 2FA". Here, select the lost token and click the red trash can icon to remove it. This way the token cannot be used by someone else to access your account. If you find the token, you can follow the above steps again to register it to your account once more.

Registering a hardware token to another employee

Tokens can be reassigned for use by another employee.  The new owner of the token can register it to themselves by following the instructions listed above.

Hardware Token Issues

• Please note: Faulty tokens will be replaced up to 6 months from the time of purchase.  Please reference your purchase receipt number when requesting a replacement.