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Set Up a Passkey for Student LSSC Microsoft Accounts
Lake-Sumter State College students use Microsoft Entra to provide multi-factor authentication, also called MFA. Passkeys are becoming the preferred MFA method because they provide a faster, simpler, and more secure way to verify your identity.
A passkey uses your device’s built-in security, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or device PIN. After setting up a passkey, you can use it to sign in to supported LSSC applications without entering your password and completing a separate MFA prompt.
Important: LSSC will no longer use SMS text messages for MFA after February 1, 2027. If you currently receive authentication codes by text message, set up a passkey or another available authentication method before SMS authentication is removed.
Passkey and MFA Overview
Lake-Sumter State College infographic explaining passkeys, SMS authentication retirement, setup instructions, backup methods, and security reminders.
What Is a Passkey?
A passkey is a secure way to verify your identity using the same method you use to unlock your device, such as:
- Fingerprint recognition
- Facial recognition
- Device PIN
- Another security method supported by your device
After you create a passkey, you can use it instead of entering your password and completing a separate MFA prompt.
Why Should I Use a Passkey?
Passkeys make signing in:
- Faster: Use your face, fingerprint, or device PIN instead of entering a code or responding to a notification.
- Easier: Complete fewer steps and remember less information when signing in.
- More secure: Passkeys are resistant to phishing because they are connected to your device and the legitimate website or service.
A fraudulent sign-in page cannot trick you into providing a passkey in the same way it might capture a password or authentication code.
You can continue to register other methods, such as Microsoft Authenticator or a security key, as backup options.
What Do I Need Before I Begin?
You will need:
- An LSSC Microsoft work or school account
- A supported mobile device or computer
- A device PIN, fingerprint, facial recognition, or other screen-lock method
- Access to Microsoft Security Info
For mobile devices, the PowerPoint identifies the following supported operating systems:
- iOS 17 or later
- Android 14 or later
Important Information
- Passkeys are device-specific.
- If you replace your phone or computer, you may need to create a new passkey.
- You may register passkeys on more than one device.
- Each passkey must be registered separately.
- You can maintain another authentication method as a backup.
- Microsoft Authenticator can support multiple student, employee, or guest accounts.
- If your device cannot create a passkey, another available MFA method may be used.
Do I Need to Install an App?
You do not normally need to install an app to use a passkey. Passkeys can use security features already built into a supported device, including a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
You can begin the setup process through Microsoft Security Info using a supported device and browser.
Microsoft Authenticator remains available as an MFA option, but it is not required when your device can create and store a passkey directly. If your device cannot create a passkey on its own, Microsoft Authenticator may provide another way to create one.
Set Up a Passkey
- Open Microsoft Security Info.
- Sign in using your LSSC student or employee account.
- Select + Add sign-in method.
- Select Passkey.
- Select Next.
- Follow the instructions displayed for your device and browser.
- Use your PIN, fingerprint, facial recognition, or another device security method when prompted.
- Give the passkey a name that helps you identify the device.
- Select Next or Done to complete the setup.
Tip: Use a descriptive name such as “Personal iPhone,” “Android Phone,” or “Home Computer” so you can identify the passkey later.
Sign In Using Your Passkey
When signing in to an LSSC application, follow the sign-in prompts presented by Microsoft.
Depending on the application and device, you may initially be asked for your LSSC password. Afterward, select the passkey option and use the PIN, fingerprint, facial recognition, or other security method associated with the device.
The exact prompts may vary depending on the device, browser, application, and passkey configuration.
Set Up More Than One Passkey
LSSC recommends registering more than one authentication method. For example, you can set up passkeys on both your computer and phone.
Having another registered method can help you access your account if your primary device is unavailable.
If You Get a New Phone
- Do not remove or erase your old phone before registering the new phone.
- Use your old phone or another registered device to sign in to Microsoft Security Info.
- Select + Add sign-in method.
- Register a passkey for the new phone.
- Confirm that the new passkey works before removing the old device.
If you no longer have access to your old device or another registered authentication method, contact the LSSC Support Hub.
Set Up Microsoft Authenticator as a Backup
Microsoft Authenticator can be registered as an additional authentication method.
- Open Microsoft Security Info.
- Sign in using your LSSC account.
- Select + Add sign-in method.
- Select Microsoft Authenticator.
- Select Next.
- Install the Microsoft Authenticator app from your device’s app store if it is not already installed.
- Open Microsoft Authenticator.
- Select the + symbol to add an account.
- Select Work or school account.
- Select Scan a QR code.
- Scan the QR code displayed in Microsoft Security Info.
- Follow the remaining prompts.
- Select Next or Done to complete the setup.
Important: Begin the setup from Microsoft Security Info. Do not try to add the LSSC account directly from Microsoft Authenticator before Microsoft Security Info provides the QR code.
Use a Security Key
A physical security key may be an alternative for someone who cannot register a passkey or use Microsoft Authenticator.
Contact the LSSC Support Hub for assistance with selecting and registering an approved security key.
Security keys may use USB-A, USB-C, or another supported connection. Confirm compatibility before purchasing a security key.
If You Lose Your Device
If you lose a device containing an LSSC passkey:
- Use another registered device or authentication method to access your account.
- Open Microsoft Security Info.
- Review your registered authentication methods.
- Remove the method associated with the lost device if you can safely identify it.
- Register a passkey on the replacement device.
If you cannot access your account, contact the LSSC Support Hub for account recovery assistance.
Security Reminders
- Approve an authentication request only when you are actively signing in to an LSSC service.
- Never approve an unexpected authentication request.
- If Microsoft Authenticator displays an unexpected request, select No, it’s not me.
- Never share an authentication or authorization code with another person.
- LSSC will not ask you to provide an authentication code.
- Report unexpected authentication requests immediately.
Get Assistance
For assistance with passkeys, Microsoft Authenticator, security keys, or account recovery:
When contacting the Support Hub, describe the device you are using and the step where the problem occurred. Do not include your password or authentication codes.
Additional Resource
For a visual overview and expanded instructions, download the attached:
https://lssc.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/302/Portal/Shared/FileOpen?AttachmentID=b8e26c1b-5ea8-4a04-8ce0-203a027182f2&ItemID=22309&ItemComponent=26&IsInline=0