Duo Desktop

Duo Desktop is a lightweight application that works alongside Duo Multifactor Authentication (MFA). It runs on your computer and checks whether your device complies with Northwestern’s baseline security standards before allowing access to MFA-protected systems.

Feinberg and Northwestern handle sensitive data. Duo Desktop helps ensure:

• Your operating system is supported
• Disk encryption is turned on
• Antivirus software is installed

These requirements protect both individual users and institutional resources from threats.

Duo Desktop is required for all Feinberg faculty, staff, and students who access MFA-protected Northwestern systems, regardless of device ownership. Affiliates may also be required to use Duo Desktop depending on their role and access level.

If you are using a Feinberg-owned computer, Duo Desktop is likely already installed. For personally owned or unmanaged devices, you may be prompted to download and install Duo Desktop when logging into Northwestern systems.

To avoid access issues, make sure your device meets the following requirements:

• Supported Operating Systems
  
  • Windows 10 and later (Pro, Education, and Enterprise only)
  • macOS 11 or later
  • RHEL and Ubuntu

• Install Duo Desktop
  
  • Download for Windows
  • Download for macOS
  • Download for Linux (.deb)
  • Download for Linux (.rpm)
    

• Full Disk Encryption
  
  • Windows: Use BitLocker
  • macOS: Use FileVault
  • Linux: Use your distribution’s supported encryption method

• Supported Antivirus Software
  Feinberg-owned devices come pre-installed with CrowdStrike Falcon.
  For personally owned or unmanaged devices, use one of the following recommended antivirus:
  
  • Windows: Windows Defender
  • macOS: Sophos Home Premium
  • Linux: Contact fsmhelp@northwestern.edu for guidance

For the most current compatibility details, visit the Cisco Duo website.

If Duo Desktop determines your device doesn’t meet the security requirements, access to Duo MFA-protected services may be blocked until the issue is resolved.

For managed devices not owned by FSM, contact your local IT support for assistance. Otherwise, reach out to FSM IT for support.

Duo Desktop checks only for system compliance: operating system version, encryption status, and antivirus presence. It does NOT access your personal files, monitor activity, or collect browsing history.

If your device doesn’t meet Duo Desktop’s security requirements, you may be blocked from accessing MFA-protected services until the issue is resolved.

• Mobile devices and tables are not subject to Duo Desktop. The tool only applies to desktop and laptop computers.
• If you’re using a personally owned device or a managed device not owned by FSM, contact your local IT support.
• If you’re using an FSM IT-owned device or need help meeting requirements, contact FSM IT for assistance.
• If your device cannot be brought into compliance, you may be eligible to access MFA-protected resources through NUworkspace, a secure virtual desktop environment.

Yes. Feinberg may expand Duo Desktop’s compliance criteria over time to align with evolving institutional security policies and regulatory frameworks (e.g., HIPAA, NIST, NIH guidance).

Users will be notified in advance of any new requirements, along with guidance on how to comply.

The use of Duo Desktop supports Feinberg’s compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, including:

• Feinberg Information Security and Access
• Northwestern Endpoint Security Standard