Passwordless

Owned by Lucas Tetrault
Last updated: Apr 11, 2024
6 min read

About

Passwordless authentication methods are more convenient because the complex password is removed from the authentication flow. Instead, you sign in with something you have, and verify with something you are or something you know.

Students at UNW can leverage passwordless authentication with Phone Sign-in on the Microsoft Authenticator app or FIDO2 security keys as described in this article.

Something you know

Something you have

Something you are

Something you know

Something you have

Something you are

  1. Password or passphrase (long)

  2. Passcode or PIN (short)

  3. Security questions

  1. Trusted device

  2. Security key

  3. Hardware token or code generator

  1. Fingerprint

  2. Face

  3. Retina

When will I need to use my UNW password?

A password may be required on certain systems that have not yet been converted to use passwordless methods. Some examples include:

  • Registering a device on the UNW Wi-Fi (rx.unwsp.edu)

  • Printing through Papercut (print.unwsp.edu)

  • Accessing UNW Windows & Mac computer labs

  • Accessing virtual machines within VMware Horizon (vws.unwsp.edu)

  • Accessing virtual machine terminals (located in library & dorms)

  • Accessing library database resources (login.ezproxy.unwsp.edu)

Important security reminders

  • Never approve a login request you did not initiate.

  • Always confirm you are at a UNW login page before entering a password. The most important one to remember is: login.microsoftonline.com

  • UNW staff will never ask for your account password.

  • If you suspect your account is compromised, such as repeatedly requesting codes/approval: decline the requests and contact IT immediately.

Microsoft Authenticator: Phone Sign-in

Example phone sign-in prompt

Prerequisites for Phone Sign-in

No mobile phone?

You can also use a FIDO2 security key or an iOS / Android tablet that supports Microsoft Authenticator.

Turn on Phone Sign-in

  1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.

  2. Tap your UNW account to view more details.

  3. Choose the option Enable phone sign-in.

  4. Tap Continue to register the device with UNW.

  5. Enter your password, tap Sign in.

  6. Tap Register.

  7. Once the registration completes, tap Continue.

Registering your mobile phone does not allow UNW or Microsoft any control over the device.
The registration records information about the device software version, who it is registered to, and establishes secure information to be used for sign-ins.

Enable phone sign-in - visual steps

First time login process

  1. Enter your username if it is not already populated, choose Next.

  2. If you are prompted for your password, choose Other ways to sign in.

  3. Select the option Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app.

  4. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app to enter the number displayed, then tap Yes.

Security Keys (FIDO2)

Fast Identity Online (FIDO) represents hundreds of organizations from various industries on a joint mission to replace passwords with an easy-to-use strong credential. The resulting FIDO2 hardware security key reduces the ability of attackers to complete phishing attacks and is shown to both reduce sign-in complexity and increase security. It provides a streamlined user sign-in experience by replacing passwords with strong multifactor authentication. The security key holds your credential and is protected with a second factor such as a fingerprint or PIN.

Setup a Security Key

  1. Visit https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo to register your security key.

  2. Select Add Method, then select Security key.

  3. If you do not already have another method registered, you’ll need to provide more information. Follow the prompts, then return to set up your security key.

  4. Select the type of security key that you have.

  5. Read the instructions on the Security key screen, then select Next.

  6. You may be prompted to scan a QR code to setup a passkey. Use the options to go back and choose external or hardware security key.

    1. Microsoft Edge:

      1. Click Use a different device

      3. Click Windows Hello or external security key

    2. Google Chrome

      1. Click Back

      3. Click Use an external security key

      4.  

  7. On the Security key setup screen, select OK to accept.

  8. Read the instructions on the Continue setup screen, then select OK.

  9. Perform the required steps depending on the type of key that you have.

    1.  

  10. On the Security key screen, provide the name of your security key, then select Next.

  11. After you’re all set up, you’ll see a confirmation screen. Select Done. Congratulations!

  1. Visit https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo to register your security key.

  2. Select Add Method, then select Security key.

  3. If you do not already have another method registered, you’ll need to provide more information. Follow the prompts, then return to set up your security key.

  4. Select the type of security key that you have.

  5. Read the instructions on the Security key screen, then select Next.

  6. If you don’t have a PIN or fingerprint protecting your security key, set one up. Click Next.

  7. Perform the required steps depending on the type of key that you have. Usually touching the key.

    1.  

  8. Allow Microsoft login to see the make and model of the security key.

    1.  

  9. On the Security key screen, provide the name of your security key, then select Next.

  10. After you’re all set up, you’ll see a confirmation screen. Select Done. Congratulations!

Managing Security Keys

You can manage your security keys from your Windows 10/11 computer settings.

  1. Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, then select Manage.

  2. Follow the prompts to authenticate your security key (PIN or fingerprint scan).

  3. You can add/remove a fingerprint, change your security key PIN, and reset your security key. Select an option and follow the prompts.

If you are using macOS or Linux, you can manage your security keys using the tools integrated into the latest Chromium based browsers, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

You can copy this URL or follow the steps below: chrome://settings/securityKeys

  1. Open Google Chrome

  2. Go to Settings

  3. Click on Privacy and security

  4. Scroll down and click on Security

  5. Scroll down and click on Manage security keys

Now you can add/remove fingerprints, change your security key PIN, and reset your security key.

Supported Security Keys

  • FIDO2 WebAuthN

  • FIDO U2F Only

Look for Microsoft Entra (Azure) support in your key provider's documentation. A list of compatible manufacturers is available from Microsoft here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/authentication/concept-authentication-passwordless#fido2-security-key-providers

Supported Browsers

 

Chrome

Edge

Firefox

Safari

 

Chrome

Edge

Firefox

Safari

Windows

✅

✅

✅

N/A

macOS

✅

✅

✅

✅

ChromeOS

✅

N/A

N/A

N/A

Linux

✅

❌

❌

N/A

iOS

✅

✅

✅

✅

Android

❌

❌

❌

N/A

Learn more about FIDO2 compatibility here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/fido2-compatibility