The KAUST Information Technology Department blog
27 November, 2025
As KAUST continues to expand its digital services across research, teaching, business operations, and daily campus life, securing access to accounts is more important than ever. Most people at KAUST have already set up DUO, and this article is a helpful refresher for our existing community. It is also an important introduction for new joiners across the KAUST academic and business communities who may be setting up their accounts for the first time.
To support a secure and seamless experience, KAUST IT uses DUO Two Factor Authentication (2FA) to protect access to all major KAUST systems.
Passwords alone are no longer enough to keep accounts safe. DUO adds a simple second step that verifies your identity before access is granted.
DUO provides KAUST with:
Whether you live in Harbor, Gardens, Palms, Island, Oasis, or any other neighborhood, DUO ensures that only verified sign in attempts are approved. Even if someone obtains your password, they cannot sign in without your DUO approval.
When accessing KAUST services from your mobile network in Jeddah, Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, or anywhere in Saudi Arabia, DUO protects your identity on all networks, including public or shared connections.
Airports, hotels, conference venues, and other public networks often present security risks. DUO prevents unauthorized access and keeps your KAUST account secure no matter where you are in the world.
DUO is required for all KAUST accounts. Without DUO, you will not be able to access KAUST systems and platforms such as:
Setting up DUO ensures that your access remains uninterrupted in all locations.
If you are without Wi Fi or mobile data, DUO can generate offline passcodes. You can still access KAUST systems securely even while traveling or in low signal areas.
If you upgraded your phone or switched to a new device, you may need to re activate DUO before you can sign in. You can use the same DUO setup guide to activate your new device.
Universities and research institutions around the world rely on DUO or similar two factor tools. It is a proven and trusted way to protect account access.
If you are new to KAUST or need to re activate DUO on a new device, you can follow the illustrated setup guide:
DUO Setup Guide
Open the DUO setup guide (KAUST SharePoint)
KAUST IT is here to support you with DUO and any questions you may have.
DUO is simple, effective, and essential. It helps protect the accounts of everyone in our community and ensures secure access to the systems you use for learning, research, teaching, and daily work. Thank you for being an important part of a secure digital KAUST.
