Cybersecurity threats are getting more advanced, and traditional passwords or SMS codes are no longer enough to protect our campus accounts. Recent Phishing attacks in the last month often trick people into giving away their passwords or codes. To keep our community safe, Microsoft is moving organizations to a simpler and much more secure way to log in. This more modern method is called Passkeys.
What is a Passkey?
A passkey is a new way to log in without a password. It is linked directly to your device, like your laptop, smartphone, or a hardware security key. Instead of remembering a long password or waiting for a text code, you use your device’s built-in security features to sign in.
- Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID, or Windows Hello facial recognition
- Device PIN: Your local device passcode
Passkeys use special technology that connects your login to your device and the website you are using. This means they cannot be stolen through fake login pages or phishing.
Microsoft’s Rollout Timeline
Microsoft Entra ID, which is the system we use at CSP to manage logins, will soon make passkeys the main way to sign in. Here’s what will happen next:
- September 1, 2026 (Active Phase): Microsoft automatically enables passkey support and begins prompting users who currently rely on SMS or voice codes to enroll a passkey upon signing in. We have had reports of CSP campus users getting prompting to set up passkey support.
- February 1, 2027 (Hard Deadline): Microsoft will fully retire native SMS and text-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes. Passkeys will become the standard requirement for securing your CSP account.
How to Set Up Your Passkey Today
You do not have to wait until the deadline to make your account more secure. Setting up a passkey only takes a couple of minutes:
- Access Security Info: On your primary computer or phone, navigate to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and log in with your CSP credentials ([email protected]).
- Add a Method: Click + Add sign-in method at the top of the page and select Passkey from the drop-down menu.
- Follow the On-Screen Prompts:
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- Choose where to store your passkey (e.g., Windows Hello, iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, or Microsoft Authenticator).
- Confirm using your fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN.
- Name Your Passkey: Give your key a recognizable name (e.g., "Work Surface Laptop" or "Personal iPhone") and click Done.
After you set up your passkey, the next time you log in to CSP Connect, D2L, or Office 365, just choose "Sign in with a Passkey" for a quick, password-free login.
If you have questions or need help setting up your passkey, contact the CSP IT Help Desk at [email protected] or call 651-641-8866.
