In late February a new Secure Connect passkey service will be offered to Cornell faculty and staff. Secure Connect reduces or eliminates the need to use a NetID, password, and two-step authentication (Duo) to access Cornell services that use CUWebLogin. It also helps defend against phishing, which is one of the most vulnerable and often-used cyberattack points into Cornell’s systems.  

If available for your device, you’ll be able to use Windows Hello or Touch ID (biometrics) to log on to your computer for the simplest passkey login experience. (You may also know this as “passwordless” login.) If your device already has a biometric reader, start using biometrics to be ready for Secure Connect. 

If your device doesn’t currently have a fingerprint reader or facial ID, consult with your department’s computer support staff to see if one is available, or just continue to use your NetID to log in as you do today. When your device is upgraded through your department’s standard process, your new one will likely have the biometrics feature and you can start using passkey login at that time. 

Information about setting up your devices to use Secure Connect will follow in February. 

Secure Connect has been tested by staff at CIT since June 2023, by campus volunteers during the fall, and was adopted by most Cornell senior leadership members in late December.