Account Access - Add a Passkey to your SIUE Account

SIUE is updating Microsoft account authentication to use newer, more secure sign-in methods. Our records indicate that you already use Microsoft Authenticator to verify your SIUE account.

You're already using a secure authentication method. The next step is to register a passkey with your SIUE account.

A passkey provides a faster, phishing-resistant way to sign in to SIUE Microsoft services. Depending on your device, you can use Face ID, Touch ID, a fingerprint, your device PIN, or a FIDO2 security key to sign in.

Step 1: Register a Passkey

Passkey setup is different depending on whether you use an iPhone, Android device, Windows PC, or FIDO2 security key. Follow the instructions in: Account Access - Setting Up and Signing In with a Passkey.

Select the instructions for your device and complete the passkey registration. Once your passkey has been successfully registered, return to this page.

Important: Please do not skip this step. Microsoft Authenticator and a passkey provide two secure ways to access your SIUE account and help prepare your account for upcoming authentication changes.

Step 2: Confirm Your Authentication Methods

After registering your passkey, confirm that both Microsoft Authenticator and your new passkey are associated with your SIUE account.

1. Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
2. Sign in with your SIUE account.
3. Review the methods listed under Security info.
4. Verify that Microsoft Authenticator is listed.
5. Verify that your newly registered passkey is listed.

If both methods are listed, no additional changes are needed.

You're Finished!

Your SIUE account is prepared for the upcoming authentication changes when:

• Microsoft Authenticator is configured and working with your SIUE account.
• You have registered a passkey with your SIUE account.

You now have two secure authentication methods available for your SIUE account.

Why Add a Passkey if I Already Use Microsoft Authenticator?

Microsoft Authenticator is already a secure way to verify your identity. A passkey provides an additional phishing-resistant sign-in method and can make signing in faster and easier.

• Passkeys provide a fast, phishing-resistant sign-in experience using Face ID, Touch ID, a fingerprint, your device PIN, or a FIDO2 security key.
• Microsoft Authenticator remains available as another secure authentication method and is useful when signing in from different or shared devices.

Having both methods configured gives you more flexibility and provides another authentication option if one method is unavailable.

Using a FIDO2 Security Key for Your Passkey

If you prefer not to store your passkey on a personal mobile device or computer, you may use a FIDO2 security key instead.

A FIDO2 security key is a small physical device that connects to your computer, typically through USB. It provides passkey support, passwordless sign-in, and phishing-resistant authentication and is fully supported for Microsoft account authentication.

Students

Students may purchase their own FIDO2 security key. The key you select must support:

• FIDO2/WebAuthn authentication
• Passkey registration and sign-in
• Microsoft Entra ID (Microsoft 365) compatibility
• User verification using a PIN, touch sensor, or biometric verification
• A connector that matches the devices you use (USB-A, USB-C, NFC, or Lightning, as applicable)

The GoTrust Idem Key is an example of a supported security key.

Faculty and Staff

FIDO2 security keys for faculty and staff will be available from ITS soon. If a key is lost or damaged, a replacement key can be purchased by the individual or their department.

Register Your Security Key

A FIDO2 security key is registered with your SIUE account as a passkey. Follow the Security Key instructions in: Account Access - Setting Up and Signing In with a Passkey.

Once your security key has been successfully registered, it will appear as a passkey in your SIUE account's Security info.

For more information about the upcoming authentication changes, see: Microsoft Authentication Changes Coming to SIUE Accounts.

Need Additional Support?

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!