Has your organization enabled the new Universal Prompt experience? See the Universal Prompt guide for more information and instructions.

Use Security Keys with the Traditional Duo Prompt

Our two-factor authentication platform supports security keys, offering secure login approvals resistant to phishing attacks combined with the one-tap convenience you're already used to with Duo Push.

What are Security Keys?

A security key plugs into your USB port and when tapped or when the button is pressed it sends a signed response back to Duo to validate your login. Duo uses the WebAuthn authentication standards to interact with your security keys. You may also see WebAuthn referred to as "FIDO2".

Security Key Requirements

In order to use a security key with Duo, make sure you have the following:

• A supported browser (Chrome 70, Firefox 60, Safari 13 or later), or Microsoft Edge 79 or later. Support for authentication is limited to web applications that show Duo's inline browser prompt.
• An available USB port.
• A supported USB security key. WebAuthn/FIDO2 security keys from Yubico or Feitian are good options. We do not support U2F-only security keys (like the Yubikey NEO-n).

Additionally, your administrator must enable the use of security keys in Duo. Check with your organization's support team or help desk to verify that security keys are allowed if you are uncertain.

Enrolling your Security Key

You can enroll your security key during the initial self-enrollment process or, if you have already enrolled in Duo using a different device (like your mobile phone), you can add your security key as an additional authentication device from the device management portal.

Initial Enrollment with a Security Key

Access the Duo enrollment page via a link emailed by your administrator, or when you log in for the first time to a Duo protected resource. Select Security Key from the list of devices and then click Continue.

Make sure that you're not blocking pop-up windows for the enrollment site before continuing.

If you're using Safari 14.1 or later, click the Initiate enrollment button to proceed. Other browsers do not require this step.

The security key enrollment window automatically tries to locate your connected security key for approval.

Depending on your security key model, you'll need to tap, insert, or press a button on your device to proceed.

When enrolling your security key, you'll be prompted to tap to enroll your security key (possibly more than once). You may also be asked if you want to allow Duo to access information about your security key (click Allow or Proceed as applicable).

You'll see whether the security key identification was successful or not.

Congratulations! You have enrolled your security key.

Adding a Security Key From the Duo Prompt

If you previously enrolled other devices in Duo, you can easily add your new security key as an additional authenticator as long as your administrator has enabled Duo's self-service portal.

Navigate to your Duo-protected service and log in. At the Duo Prompt you'll see an Add a new device link on the left. Click it and approve the Duo login request using your already enrolled phone or other device.

Proceed with the security key enrollment process as shown above in Initial Enrollment with a Security Key.

You've added your security key (in this example, a security key from Yubico)! It is listed with your other enrolled devices.

Authenticating with a Security Key

The next time you log on using Duo, select your security key from the drop-down list of your authentication devices.

Once you select your security key from the list, click Use Security Key.

If you're using Safari 14.1 or later, click the Initiate authentication button to proceed. Other browsers do not require this step.

Insert your security key if it's not already connected, and then tap your security key when prompted. Some types of keys flash as a prompt for you to authenticate.