Passkey Authentication

Use biometrics or hardware security keys for the most secure and convenient sign-in.

Overview

Passkeys are a modern, passwordless authentication method using WebAuthn technology. They provide:

• Phishing-resistant - Cannot be stolen through fake websites
• No passwords - Nothing to remember or type
• Fast sign-in - Use Face ID, Touch ID, or Windows Hello
• Device-bound - Credentials stay on your device

Supported Passkey Types

Setting Up a Passkey

Prerequisites

• Modern browser (Chrome 108+, Safari 16+, Firefox 122+)
• Device with biometric or PIN capability
• Existing Alpha account

Step 1: Navigate to Security Settings

1. Sign in to Alpha Platform
2. Click your Profile avatar
3. Select Security
4. Find Passkeys section

Step 2: Add Passkey

1. Click Add Passkey
2. Choose authenticator type:
   • This device - Use built-in biometrics
   • Security key - Use hardware key
3. Name your passkey (e.g., "MacBook Pro", "YubiKey")

Step 3: Complete Registration

Depending on your device:

Face ID / Touch ID (Apple):

1. Prompt appears for biometric
2. Use Face ID or Touch ID
3. Passkey is registered

Windows Hello:

1. Windows security prompt appears
2. Use face, fingerprint, or PIN
3. Passkey is registered

Hardware Key:

1. Insert or tap your security key
2. Touch the key when it blinks
3. Passkey is registered

Automatic Naming

New passkeys are named after the device that created them (for example Chrome on macOS or Safari on iOS) so the list stays readable once you have several. Registering a second passkey from the same browser appends a counter (Chrome on macOS (2)). You can rename any passkey later.

Adding a Passkey You Already Have

If the device you're using already holds a passkey for your account, Alpha tells you it's already added rather than creating a duplicate. Use that passkey to sign in, or register from a different device to add redundancy.

Signing In with Passkey

Step 1: Navigate to Login

1. Go to your organization's login page
2. Click Sign in with Passkey

Step 2: Select Passkey

Your browser shows available passkeys:

• Recently used passkeys appear first
• Select the appropriate account
• Or insert your hardware key

Step 3: Authenticate

Complete the biometric or PIN:

• Look at camera (Face ID)
• Place finger on sensor (Touch ID)
• Enter Windows Hello PIN
• Touch hardware key

Step 4: Access Granted

• Instant sign-in upon verification
• No password required
• Session established

Managing Passkeys

Viewing Registered Passkeys

1. Go to Profile > Security
2. See all registered passkeys:
   • Name
   • Type
   • Last used date
   • Creation date

Renaming a Passkey

1. Find the passkey in the list
2. Click the Edit icon
3. Enter new name
4. Save changes

Removing a Passkey

1. Find the passkey to remove
2. Click Remove or trash icon
3. Confirm removal

Security Best Practices

Recommended Setup

For optimal security and convenience:

1. Primary device passkey - Face ID/Touch ID on your main device
2. Backup passkey - Hardware security key stored safely
3. Secondary device - Passkey on another personal device

Hardware Key Recommendations

For hardware security keys:

Lost Device Procedure

If you lose a device with a passkey:

1. Sign in using alternative method
2. Go to Profile > Security
3. Remove the lost device's passkey
4. Remotely wipe device if possible

Troubleshooting

Passkey Not Working

Common issues and solutions:

1. Browser outdated - Update to latest version
2. Biometrics disabled - Enable Face ID/Touch ID in system settings
3. Platform not supported - Try different device or browser

"No Passkeys Found"

If sign-in shows no passkeys:

1. Ensure you're on the correct account
2. Check if passkey is registered for this site
3. Try different device with registered passkey
4. Fall back to email/password

Hardware Key Issues

For hardware key problems:

1. Not detected - Try different USB port
2. NFC not working - Hold key closer to device
3. Key unresponsive - May need firmware update

Browser Support

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