What is a Physical Security Key?
A Physical Security Key is a small USB device that plugs into your computer USB ports. This allows you to log in using MFA without providing a cell phone number, or downloading an Authenticator app. You won't even have to store a long, random code!
Why use a Physical Security Key?
You may opt to purchase a Physical Security Key for one of more of the following reasons:
- You do not wish to utilize your personal cell phone for work purposes.
- Extra protection against malicious cyber attacks and phishing scams.
- Peace of mind knowing access to your data and products is safe in your hands.
At this time, Ministry Brands is not facilitating the purchase of any Physical Security Keys. If this is your MFA method of choice, please consider our recommendations that can be purchased from Amazon: Physical Security Key Options for Purchase
How to use a Physical Security Key
Note: If you have already set up MFA and have been using a text, email, or authenticator code to log in, you will need to reset your Multi-Factor Authentication preferences in order to use the Security Key option. To reset your MFA preferences, please contact Support.
If you are setting up Multi-Factor Authentication for the first time, you will see the following option after entering your email and password:
Plug in your personal Physical Security key, and follow the prompts as they appear on the screen.
Your web browser may prompt you to do the following in steps 1-3 as seen in the screenshot below:
Once you select "Use Security Key" above, a notification similar to the following will appear on your screen:
Select the option for USB Security Key, and you will be prompted to "Insert your security key and touch it".
- If you have gotten this far and not plugged the security key into your computer's USB port, do so now.
- If your security key is already plugged into your computer, simply press the button on your physical security key. Do not unplug the security key.
You will next be prompted to name your security key. If your web browser took you through these steps at the beginning, that name will automatically populate.
If not, now is the time to give your physical security a unique name for identification. We recommend using your real name.
Clicking Continue will bring you to a confirmation page letting you know the set up of your Security Key is successful!
Clicking continue for the 2nd and final time, will log you in, and navigate the page directly to your Account Dashboard.
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