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 shown in this article.

Something you know	Something you have	Something you are
Password or passphrase Passcode or PIN Security questions	Trusted mobile device or computer Security key Hardware token or code generator	Fingerprint Face 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 through VMware Horizon (vws.unwsp.edu)
Accessing virtual machine terminals (located in library & dorms)
Accessing UNW sites that use ADFS (adfs.unwsp.edu)
Accessing library database resources (login.ezproxy.unwsp.edu)
Accessing VoiceThread recording software (unwsp.voicethread.com)

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.
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

Turn on Phone Sign-in

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Tap your UNW account to view more details.
Choose the option Enable phone sign-in.
Tap Continue to register the device with UNW.
Enter your password, tap Sign in.
Tap Register.
Once the registration completes, tap Continue.

Registering your mobile phone does not allow UNW 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.

First time login process

Enter your username if it is not already populated, choose Next.
If you are prompted for your password, choose Other ways to sign in.
Select the option Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app.
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app to enter the number displayed, then tap Yes.

The passwordless phone sign-in will be used the next time you need to authenticate.

You can always choose an alternative method by clicking Other ways to sign in.

FIDO2 Security Keys

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 FIDO2 hardware security key holds your credential and is protected with a second factor such as a fingerprint or PIN. In other words, you will sign into your PC or your favorite web apps on mobile devices by presenting your FIDO2 security key and providing your fingerprint or PIN with no additional effort on your part.

Setup a security key

Visit https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo to register your FIDO2 security key.
Select Add Method, then select Security key.
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 FIDO2 security key.
Select the type of security key that you have.
Read the instructions on the Security key screen, then select Next.
On the Security key setup screen, select OK to accept.
Read the instructions on the Continue setup screen, then select OK.
Perform the required steps depending on the type of key that you have.
On the Security key screen, provide the name of your security key, then select Next.
After you’re all set up, you’ll see a confirmation screen. Select Done. Congratulations!

Managing security keys

Windows 10/11

You can manage your FIDO2 security keys from your Windows 10/11 computer settings.

Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, then select Manage.
Follow the prompts to authenticate your security key (PIN or fingerprint scan).
You can add/remove a fingerprint, change your security key PIN, and reset your security key. Select an option and follow the prompts.

macOS & Linux

If you are using macOS or Linux, you can manage your FIDO2 keys using the tools integrated into the latest Chromium based browsers, such as Google Chrome.

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

Open Google Chrome
Go to Settings
Click on Privacy and security
Scroll down and click on Security
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 Browsers

	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

Passwordless