Duo two-factor authentication is critical to keeping UAB accounts secure — but how you use it can also help save UAB money and save you time.

Using Duo through the Duo app, which is free and available for iOS and Android, takes less time and also is free for UAB. Using text messages or telephone calls, however, can cost UAB thousands of dollars in what Duo calls “telephony credits” — and cost you more time. More than 18,000 users have used telephony credits at some time in a six-month period, but just more than 2,000 users have consumed half of the credits.

With the app, all you do is tap a notification to gain access to your account — and with the “remember me” feature, you don’t have to use it again for 30 days. Don’t have WiFi available? The app gives you a single-use code to gain access to your account.

The Duo app is safe, easy to use, doesn’t take up much space on your mobile device, and can be used for more than just UAB accounts. Learn more about Duo myths.

“We understand that UAB students, faculty and staff may feel comfortable using text messages or telephone calls for Duo, but we encourage you to use the app,” said Rob Ferrill, chief information security officer for UAB. “Each phone call or text message adds up — and we’d rather invest that money in expanded tools to better secure UAB data.”