How To Guides

Please use the links to the right to browse our documentation. The most read How To Guides are listed below. This is a collection of computing information articles that are mainly specific to computing within Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences.

For information about more general University computing, check the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and New Brunswick/Piscataway Computing Services (NBCS) pages.

Working Remotely Type: General

What is a Yubikey?

A Yubikey is a hardware device that plugs into your computer to simplify two-factor authentication. When prompted to authenticate yourself, you press the button (metal contact) to provide the second factor for authentication. The keys come in USB-A, USB-C, or USB-C/lightning connectors, but the price differs accordingly.

Benefits

Can be used on different computers or devices.
Does not require a smartphone.

Drawbacks

It is not recognized by all applications, services, or websites.
Can be misplaced due to small size.
Initial setup requires administrative rights. You might need different keys if your devices have incompatible ports (android/apple/pc).

Duo Authentication App on smartphone in comparison

Your phone is almost always with you.
You can add additional phones or numbers.
Works on all sites, apps, and services.
Multiple ways to authenticate – prompted, SMS, phone call.

What works* with the Yubikeys

Windows 10	MacOS X	Linux Ubuntu	iOS	Android 11
Rutgers Connect in Web browsers	Rutgers Connect in Web browsers	Rutgers Connect in Web browsers	Safari on iOS 14.4	Rutgers Connect in Web browsers
Most apps using CAS on the web	Most apps using CAS on the web	Most apps using CAS on the web	CAS does not work on any browsers	Most apps using CAS on the web

*Certain versions of browsers do not work on some operating systems.

What does not support the Yubikeys

Windows 10	MacOS X	Linux Ubuntu	iOS	Android 11
Cisco Any Connect (VPN)	Cisco Any Connect (VPN)	Cisco Any Connect (VPN)	N/A	N/A
N/A	Apple Mail on v.11.1	Thunderbird v.78	Apple mail not tested yet	Google mail not tested yet
Firefox v.84	Firefox v.84	Firefox v.84	Firefox v31.0	Still testing
Edge v.44	Safari v.14	Chrome v.87	Chrome v.87	Chrome v.87

Initial set up of the Yubikey

No additional steps required on Windows 10 and MacOS X. However, on Ubuntu (20.04).

Open a terminal window.
Insert the Yubikey and a use a terminal window to see if its detected.
Use the steps in the following guide to set up the Yubikey in Ubuntu
https://support.yubico.com/hc/en-us/articles/360016649099-Ubuntu-Linux-Login-Guide-U2F.
Note that the Yubikey was not configured for sudo, login or terminal access as the focus was on Duo 2FA for accessing Rutgers resources.

Configuring Duo to use your Yubikey for 2FA

Log into https://netid.rutgers.edu.
Click on Manage NetID+ Two Factor Authentication.
Click Add a New Device and authenticate in the pop up window.
Select Security Key and click Continue.
Click Continue again. Click Proceed on the pop up window.
Touch the metal contacts on your Yubikey and click Continue when the pop closes.
You can select Yubikey as your Default device. You’ll still have the option to use your phone.
Add images of the steps.

Using your Yubikey for 2FA

When 2FA is needed, you’ll be prompted to use the Yubikey.
Images of the Yubikey prompt here.

Working Remotely Type: General

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) offers Virtual Computer Labs based on Microsoft Azure technology. Students, faculty and staff can now utilize OIT computer lab PCs – and all Windows applications provided in the general-use New Brunswick labs – from any location at any time. The list of available software can be found here.

How do I access the Virtual Computer Labs?

To sign in, users should navigate to the new portal page at go.rutgers.edu/vlabs and follow the prompts. For detailed instructions on the new sign-in process, view this article.

How can I get help?

If you or your users have questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Office of Information Technology Help Desk.