The University of Maine System (UMS) uses two multi-factor authentication (MFA) systems: Duo and Microsoft Entra. Their pages and sign-in prompts don't always name the system, so use this guide to tell which one you're using. Knowing this helps you manage the right account and get faster help from the IT Service Desk.
Detailed Information
IMPORTANT: Use only the MFA system you're required to use. If you use Entra, do not set up or use Duo. Only people who are required to use Duo should use Duo. Using the wrong system can cause sign-in problems.
Not sure which one is yours? Find out first: Determining Which MFA System You Should Use (Entra or Duo)
Once you know which system you should use, the cues below help you tell which system a page or prompt belongs to.
Quick comparison
| What to look for |
Duo |
Entra |
| Management page address |
accounts.maine.edu/mfa |
accounts.maine.edu/mymfa |
| Where the address takes you |
A UMS page (apps.maine.edu) |
A Microsoft page (mysignins.microsoft.com) |
| Management page heading |
Multi-Factor Authentication Manager |
Security info |
| Phone app |
Duo Mobile |
Microsoft Authenticator |
| Number shown when using the app |
3-digit code |
2-digit number |
| Name shown in the other system |
Shows as “UMS MFA” in Entra |
Not shown in Duo |
The two management page addresses look almost the same. The only difference is the letters my before mfa in the Entra address. Check the address carefully before you make changes.
Duo management page
Only use this page if you're required to use Duo.
Address: accounts.maine.edu/mfa (opens a UMS page)
- The heading says Multi-Factor Authentication Manager.
- Links for Status and Help and Support appear under the UMS logo.
- The page shows a message about your Duo enrollment status. The message depends on whether you're enrolled and eligible.
- The page does not show any Entra information.
For details on Duo status messages, see Check Your Duo MFA Eligibility and Enrollment Status and Fixing the “You Are Not Currently Eligible to Enroll in Multi-Factor Authentication” Message.
Entra management page
Address: accounts.maine.edu/mymfa (opens a Microsoft page)
- The heading says Security info.
- Password always appears in the list. You can't edit or remove it here.
- Your Entra sign-in methods appear below Password, such as the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- You may see UMS MFA (external mfa). This is Duo, connected to your Entra account.
WARNING: Do not delete UMS MFA (external mfa) unless the IT Service Desk tells you to. Removing it can stop you from signing in.
Duo sign-in prompts
What you see depends on the sign-in methods you set up. Look for these signs:
- A small card with an outline of the state of Maine at the top.
- Other options and Need help? links.
- If you use the Duo Mobile app and get a code, it's 3 digits. You enter it in Duo Mobile.
Entra sign-in prompts
What you see depends on the sign-in methods you set up. Look for these signs:
- A Microsoft-style sign-in box with the Maine's Public Universities logo.
- Your maine.edu email address near the top.
- A gray footer that says Manage your account at accounts.maine.edu.
- If you use the Microsoft Authenticator app and get a number, it's 2 digits. You enter it in Authenticator.
INFO: If you see Approve with UMS MFA and choose it, you're sent to Duo to finish signing in. Only choose this option if you're required to use Duo.
Additional resources
Environment
- Duo
- Duo Mobile
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Microsoft Authenticator