BoilerKey signups in progress, new hardware tokens arrive

More than 30 percent of eligible faculty, staff and student employees have signed up for BoilerKey, Purdue’s version of two-factor authentication.

Come July 1, however, all employees need to be signed up for and using BoilerKey if they want to access the employee portal.

Purdue employees can sign up for BoilerKey by visiting www.purdue.edu/boilerkey. You can starting using BoilerKey by setting up the Duo Mobile software application on your smartphone. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can request a hardware token for use with BoilerKey, and it will be sent to you in campus mail. Hardware tokens were previously backordered, but distribution has resumed with receipt of a new shipment.

What is two-factor authentication?

BoilerKey adds a second login requirement to go with your password. At Purdue, it’s a numerical code randomly generated on a smartphone app called Duo or hardware token.

Essentially, even if someone were to get ahold of your password (if you fall for a phishing email, for instance), your account would still be protected because only you can physically access your smartphone or key fob to get the necessary login code.

Why do I need it?

BoilerKey protects your sensitive data, including financial information such as your bank account and PUID numbers.

What if I need a little extra help?

You can also get help at:

  • GoldAnswers (purdue.edu/goldanswers)
  • Tech Support

What else do I need to know?

After the July 1 deadline, if you do not have BoilerKey, you can still sign up for it. The only consequence is that you will not be able to access the employee portal after July 1 until you have BoilerKey. To avoid having to sign up at crunch time, sign up today. Encourage your colleagues to sign up, too.

Writer: Kirsten Gibson, technology writer, Information Technology at Purdue (ITaP), 765-494-8190, gibson33@purdue.edu 

Last updated: April 26, 2018