Security Keys: Registering a Security Key with your Oakland University Account

Before registering your security key (hardware token) with your Oakland University account, you will need to do the following:

  1. Obtain a physical security key by following the instructions for retrieving a physical security key (Microsoft Authenticator Alternative) article.  
  2. Complete the Register a Security Key service request form. 

Overview

This article describes the process for manually enrolling a security key (YubiKey) with your Oakland University account. A security key is a physical USB device that can be used plugged into your device to verify your identity and allow you to log-in to your Oakland University account.

An image of a USB-C YubiKey hardware key

Guide

Registering your security key

The OU Technology Center will provide assistance with the instructions below after you have submitted the Register a Security Key form. They will also issue you a Temporary Access Pass (TAP), which is required for you to register your key, upon completing this form. 

While it is not recommended to follow these steps without the assistance of the OU Technology Center (OUTC), if you would like to register your security key after being issued a Temporary Access Pass (TAP), the process for registering manually is below. The steps below contain screenshots from a Microsoft Windows PC, but is similar for all types of devices: 

  1. Plug your security key into your device. 
  2. Navigate to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in with your Oakland University email and regular account password. 
  3. If you are registering this security key because you are not registering a phone with Microsoft Authenticator, enter the Temporary Access Password provided by the OU Technology Center when prompted -> Click the "Sign in" button. 

A screenshot of a user being prompted to enter a Temporary Access Password

  1. On the Security Info page, click Add Sign-in Method -> Passkey

A screenshot of the "Security Info" page on the Microsoft "My Sign Ins" website with the "Add sign-in method" button highlighted.

A pop-up box prompting a user to choose a sign-in method to add. The "Passkey" method is highlighted to direct the user to click that option.

  1. Click the Other Options button on the "Sign in faster with your face, fingerprint, or PIN" screen.

A pop-up box informing a user about signing-in utilizing their face, fingerprint, or PIN. The "Other options" button is highlighted to direct the user to click it when they see this screen.

  1. Create a new numerical PIN that is at least 6 digits long when prompted and re-enter it in the Confirm Security Key PIN box. Click OK.

A screenshot of a user being prompted to create a new, 6-digit PIN for their physical hardware key

  1. Touch the "y" on your YubiKey when prompted. 
  2. Once you are redirected back to the "My Sign-ins" page, give your key any unique name to complete the registration.
  3. Click Done to complete the registration process. 

A prompt informing the user they need to touch their physical key with their finger.

A screenshot of a screen that says "Let's name your passkey" with a user entering a custom name for their passkey in the box.

A prompt informing the user their physical passkey has been successfully registered.

Using your security key to Sign-in to your Oakland University Account

After enrolling your security key with your Oakland University account, you will need to use it to sign-in going forward. You can take the following steps to sign-in to your Oakland University account with your security key: 

  1. Navigate to the website for any university service that requires authentication (such as MySail, Email, etc.) -> Click the "Login" button. 
  2. Enter your full Oakland University email address on the login page and click Next.
  3. If you are prompted to choose between a security key, biometrics, or a mobile device, choose the option to Use a Security Key.

Windows Security “Choose a passkey” dialog for login.microsoft.com, offering an iPhone, iPad, or Android device and a highlighted Security key option, with a Cancel button.

  1. Plug your security key into your device, or tap it against your device if prompted. 
    • On mobile devices, you may find it easier to hold/tap the token against your device. On computers, you may find it easier to plug it into your device. 
  2. Enter the PIN for your security key in the Security Key PIN box -> Click Next

Pop-up security dialog for signing in with a passkey. It shows a Security Key for login.microsoft.com, a Security Key PIN field containing masked characters, a “Choose a different passkey” link, and highlighted OK and Cancel buttons

  1. If you are prompted to do so, touch your security key to finish signing-in to your account. 

A prompt presented to the user instructing them to “Touch your security key”

Additional Support

Should you encounter any issues enrolling your physical security key with your account, or if you encounter issues using this security key to sign-in, the OU Technology Center can provide technical support. Their contact information is below: 

  • 44 Oakland Center
  • Rochester, MI 48309-4479
  • (248) 370-4357
  • Office Hours: M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm
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