Harvard University and Harvard Medical School use two-factor authentication (2FA) through the Duo Mobile app to enhance security.
If you have previously set up Duo Mobile but need to install it on a new mobile phone, refer to this article.
1 – Sign in at the Pulse Connect Secure sign-in page
Go to the Pulse Connect Secure sign-in page. Enter your HMS ID (eCommons) and password to sign in. After signing in, you should see some introductory text. Select Start Setup.
2 – Select the type of device
Select the radio button for the type of device you will use for 2FA. We recommend using a smartphone.
The rest of these instructions assume you are using a smartphone, but the steps are similar for a tablet. The landline option may be less secure but may also be used.
If you want to use a security key, contact the Service Desk at 617-432-2000, itservicedesk@hms.harvard.edu, or in-person on the second floor of Tosteson Medical Education Center (TMEC).
3 – Enter your phone number
Assuming you selected Mobile phone or Landline, enter your phone number in the text field. After entering your phone number, check the box to confirm the number is correct and select Continue.
If the phone number has been used at Harvard Medical School before, you may be prompted to verify ownership of the number via a text message or phone call.
4 – Select the type of phone
We recommend using Duo Mobile with an iPhone or Android smartphone and the Duo Mobile app, which is available for iOS or Android. If you select Other, you may be limited to authenticating on cellular networks and via automated text messages or phone calls.
5 – Install the Duo Mobile app
You may already have Duo Mobile installed for use with HarvardKey. If so, you do not need to redownload the app. Otherwise, visit your smartphone's app store—either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store—to download and install Duo Mobile. You can recognize the app through this icon:
Once Duo Mobile is installed, select I have Duo Mobile installed.
6 – Configure the Duo Mobile app for use at HMS
Note – Internet access is required to complete the next step. See instructions for connecting to Harvard Secure or the HMS private wireless network if you do not have reliable cellular data service.
Open the Duo Mobile app. If prompted, grant the app access to your camera. Point the camera at the QR code for a few seconds. By doing this, Duo Mobile will automatically add Harvard Medical School as an option.
If your phone's camera doesn't work, select Email me an activation link instead, open the email from your mobile phone and open the link in the email. You will be prompted to open the link with the Duo Mobile app to activate.
Once you have added Harvard Medical School to Duo Mobile, you can continue to sign in.
7 – Add additional devices
While not required, adding additional devices will provide a backup if anything happens to your smartphone.
Important Note
Once you have successfully set up DUO, the site will attempt a complete login to HMS VPN. If you have HMS VPN access, you will be directed to the HMS VPN online portal. If you do not have HMS VPN access, you will receive a message that says “You don’t not have access to this resource.” Your level of HMS VPN access does not affect your HMS DUO enrollment.