Two-Factor Authentication with Duo Security

LSCO applications such as MyGator, Microsoft 365, and Blackboard require two-factor authentication using Duo Security, which adds an extra verification step to make sure that you are who you say you are. You are probably already familiar with similar systems for your online banking or other personal accounts.

If you have any questions or problems, call the Help Desk at (409) 882-3033 during normal business hours. 

Please complete the registration process to avoid delays in accessing your LSCO online applications.

Setting Up Duo

Duo Mobile App

Duo Mobile is available for download on the Google Play Store for Android devices and the Apple App Store for iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. If prompted during or after the installation, allow Duo Mobile to send push notifications and access the camera.

The first time you log into the MyGator portal, you will be prompted to self-enroll your cell phone with Duo.

1. A web browser will open with screens to guide you through the enrollment process. Read the first screen then click or tap Start setup.

Figure 2: Setup Start Screen

Duo Setup Start Screen

2. You will then be prompted to perform the following actions:

  • Choose the type of device you are adding (mobile phone is recommended). These instructions presume you have selected mobile phone.
  • Enter your mobile phone number.
  • Select the type of mobile phone (e.g., iPhone, Android, Other).

3. If you have not already installed Duo Mobile on your mobile phone, do so now. Once that is done, click or tap I have Duo Mobile installed.

Figure 3: Install Duo Mobile Screen

Install Duo Mobile Screen

4. An activation screen will display and you will have the option of activating via QR code, via Email, or directly with the Duo Mobile app.

Option 1: Scan a QR Code

This method should be used when you have opened the email on a device other than the one you are trying to activate.

Figure 4: Activate Duo Screen

Activate Duo Mobile Screen

1. Open the Duo Mobile App.

2. Tap Set up account.

3. Tap Use a QR code.

4. Scan the QR code form the Mobile App. If prompted, allow access to your camera.

5. if you are unable to scan the QR code, click or tap Email me an activation link instead and skip to the Email an Activation Link instructions.

6. Duo Mobile will open to a Name Your Account screen. Tap Next.

7. Account: Lamar State College Orange will be displayed. Tap Save.

Figure 5: LSCO Account in Duo Mobile App

LSCO Account in Duo Mobile App

8. Your MyGator account is now linked to your Duo Mobile app.

9. Go back to the Activate Duo Mobile screen and click or tap Continue.

Figure 6: Activate Duo Mobile Screen - Completed

Activate Duo Mobile Screen - Completed

10. The My Settings & Devices screen will display. 

11. From the When I log in drop-down, select Automatically send this device a Duo Push.

12. Click or tap Finish Enrollment.

Figure 7: My Settings and Devices

My Settings and Devices

If you need assistance, please contact the Help Desk at (409) 882-3033.

Option 2: Email an Activation Link

This method should be used when you cannot scan the QR code.

1. Click or tap Email me an activation link instead.

Figure 8: Activate Duo Mobile by QR Code

Activate Duo Mobile by QR Code

2. Enter an email address you can check on the device you are trying to activate and click or tap Send email.

Figure 9: Activate Duo Mobile by Email

Activate Duo Mobile by Email

3. From the device you are trying to activate, open the email and click the activation link.

4. Duo Mobile will open to a Name Your Account screen. Tap Next.

5. Account: Lamar State College Orange will be displayed. Tap Save.

Figure 10: LSCO Account in Duo Mobile App

LSCO Account in Duo Mobile App

6. Your MyGator account is now linked to your Duo Mobile app.

7. Go back to the Activate Duo Mobile by Email screen and click or tap Continue.

8. The My Settings & Devices screen will display. 

9. From the When I log in drop-down, select Automatically send this device a Duo Push.

10. Click or tap Finish Enrollment.  

Figure 11: My Settings & Devices

Duo My Settings and Devices

If you need assistance, please contact the Help Desk at (409) 984-6150.

Option 3: Directly Activate Duo Mobile App

This method should be used if you are completing the entire enrollment process using only your mobile phone on which the Duo Mobile app is installed.

1. Tap Take me to Duo Mobile.

Figure 12: Finish by Connecting to Duo Mobile

Duo My Settings and Devices

2. Duo Mobile will open to a Name Your Account screen. Tap Next.

3. Account: Lamar State College Orange will be displayed. Tap Save.

Figure 13: LSCO Account in Duo Mobile App

LSCO Account in Duo Mobile App

4. Your MyGator account is now linked to your Duo Mobile app.

If you need assistance, please contact the Help Desk at (409) 882-3033.

Logging in with the Duo Mobile App

You will be required to use Duo daily the first time you use a particular web browser to login. If you login using different browsers on the same device, each browser may require its own Duo login. If you close your browser, you may be prompted for another Duo login the next time you use that browser to access a protected application.

If you change your password, you will need to login with Duo again.

  1. Access the protected application (e.g., Outlook) as you would normally. 
  2. If the application requires Duo, you will be prompted for the second step of your login.
  3. If you see an option for "Device" above "Choose an authentication method" select the device on which you have installed the Duo Mobile app and want to receive the Push notification. 
  4. Select Send Me a Push.
  5. You will receive a notification on your device and will be prompted to approve or deny. Select Approve. (See Figures 15 and 16 for sample notifications.)
  6. If your phone is not notifying you of the Push notification:
    • Open the Duo Mobile app on your phone.
    • Go back to the Duo Security Screen (see Figure 14) and select Send Me a Push.
    • Go back to the Duo app on your phone and wait for the Push.
    • Select Approve. (See Figure 17.)
    • If you have an iOS device and are still having problems, see Troubleshooting Duo Push Notification Issues on iOS devices for more assistance. You can also contact the Help Desk at (409) 882-3033.

Fig. 14: Duo Security Screen shown on a desktop computer.

Duo desktop security screen

Fig. 15: Notifications you may see from Duo Mobile app.

iPhone duo banner

Fig. 16: Approve or Deny options in the notification window.

iPhone duo banner approve

Fig. 17: Approve or Deny options in the Duo Mobile app.

iPhone duo approve or deny

Contact Info

LSCO Help Desk

Help Desk
Email: helpdesk@lsco.edu
Phone: 409-882-3033
Hours: M-Th: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
F: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Academic Center, Room 101

Blackboard 24/7 Support

Bb Learn Help for Students
Email: bbhelp@lsco.edu
Phone: 936-496-5378

Next Steps