Make Your Account UnPhishable: Switch to Passkeys

The best-in-class of all the Google 2-step verification methods, passkeys are easy but also incredibly phishing-resistant. They are like secret digital "keys" that you keep on your devices, working in partnership with the same technology you use to unlock your phone or laptop. They're superior to other well-known Google 2-step methods like SMS, codes, or calls because passkeys can't be used by hackers.

Passkeys use your Face ID, Touch ID, or PIN number authentication on your mobile and laptop devices as a second factor for your Google Workspace Account. 

Everyone with a WFU account is encouraged to add at least two passkeys to their account.

Ready to get started? Here’s how:

1. Set up your device passkey

   • macOS:

     • Sign into your Apple account (if you don't have one, create one using your @wfu.edu email address)

     • Set up Touch ID

   • Windows 10 and 11: Windows Hello (face and fingerprint recognition)

   • iOS, iPad OS: Face ID or Touch ID

   • Android: Passkeys

2. Create a passkey in your Google account

   • In your preferred browser, signed into your WFU Google account, go to Set up passkeys. 

   • You may see the message below. Ignore it! Scroll down and select “Create a Passkey.” You'll still be able to use it in partnership with your password (i.e. as your 2-step method), but you cannot use it as a sole means of logging in ("password-less").
     

3. Google will walk you through setting up your passkey in a few simple clicks. If you are prompted to choose where to save your passkey, choose the computer or iCloud Keychain, NOT the browser.
   

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to set up a second passkey on another device (like your phone) as a backup.

That's it! Next time you need to log into new sessions with your WFU account, instead of a phone call, SMS text, or prompt, use your passkey. 

Your other 2-step methods will still be there, if you ever need them.

If you would like help setting up your passkey or have questions along the way, contact our team via chat at the window to the right, call us at 758-HELP, send an email to [email protected], or drop by The Bridge on the main floor of ZSR library.

Passkeys at Wake Forest: Check our Progress

Thanks for joining us in the resistance against phishing! We applaud you for helping us make a difference at Wake Forest, together. Share with your network to spread the word: go.wfu.edu/passkeys