Don’t get locked out of benefits open enrollment, sign up for BoilerKey self-recovery

Choosing health insurance and retirement contributions takes time and mental energy. Keep the benefits open enrollment process as simple as possible by signing up for BoilerKey self-recovery and printing backup codes.

BoilerKey, Purdue’s version of two-factor authentication, protects your digital treasures and Purdue’s. 0pen enrollment selections, direct deposit information, and other sensitive data benefit from two layers of security: something you know and something you have.

The “something you have” is the key to the BoilerKey equation. Without a mobile device and the Duo Mobile app (or a hardware token), employees will be unable to log in to certain important Purdue sites protected by BoilerKey, including the benefits open enrollment site. There are two workarounds that you should set up before you have a problem.

  1. BoilerKey Self-Recovery
    By visiting https://purdue.edu/boilerkey and clicking “Register for Self-Recovery,” employees can register their phone number and receive a text to confirm their credentials. This option can be used when an employee gets a new phone and needs to establish a new BoilerKey on it, or if they have problems with the Duo Mobile app.

  2. BoilerKey Backup Codes
    Employees can print out a list of 10 one-time use codes and store them securely. These codes can be used in place of a code from the Duo Mobile app or a hardware token. Employees can get backup codes by visiting https://purdue.edu/boilerkey, clicking “Manage” and then selecting “Obtain List of One-Time Use Backup Codes.” It is important to securely store this list of codes so that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Information Technology at Purdue (ITaP) takes managing employee and student data seriously and BoilerKey is one of many tools used to keep that data safe. During open enrollment, keep it simple and make sure you’re able to access your benefits selections by signing up for BoilerKey self-recovery and printing backup codes.

If you find yourself with neither your phone number registered nor a list of backup codes, you can call the ITaP Customer Service Center at (765) 494-4000 or email itap@purdue.edu.

For more information about BoilerKey, visit https://www.purdue.edu/securepurdue/identity-access/boilerkey/index.php.  

Last updated: October 21, 2019