Account Authentication Goes Passwordless

Account authentication has always been one of ECU’s most important security strategies for users.

To make verification convenient as well as secure, ECU now offers four cutting-edge passwordless authentication technologies. These solutions make account authentication quick and convenient while still providing robust security protections.

Simplify your digital life: go passwordless

While you’re still required to maintain your 15-digit ECU password, these four passwordless methods are a quicker alternative for logging in to your resources.

• Microsoft Authenticator App. Offers local, time-based, one-time code generation (no internet required) on your mobile phone or tablet as well as number matching authentication and passkey generation.
• Windows Hello for Business (WHfB). Log in to your ECU-managed Windows 11 computer using a PIN or biometric, and you’re simultaneously logged in to your ECU SSO resources for convenient and quick access.
• NEW! Yubico security key. This USB stick replaces your phone as an authentication device. Great for use on campus in areas that experience weak signal strength or when you forgot your cell phone. A security key is phish-resistant, is not susceptible to verification interception and replaces your ECU password for most logins using a six-digit PIN.
• Phone call. Landline (phone call) or mobile (call or text).

What you can do now

First, visit the IT Knowledge Base | Accounts category to learn how easy it is to set up a Yubico security key or one of ECU’s other passwordless options.

Next, assess your MFA methods at My Sign-Ins | Security Info | Microsoft.com. You may decide that now is the time to go passwordless.

Yubikey: our newest and most secure method

ECU has approved the Yubico security key with 2FA that connects via USB-A or USB-C, FIDO U2F/FIDO2 certified available through the following vendors:

• Departments purchase through the PORT Office Depot (preferred) or Amazon punchout.
• All users can purchase from any retailer offering the Yubico security key, USB-A or USB-C. Prices range from $25 – $60 depending on version and retailer.
• Both products offer secure passkey technology and NFC (near field communication), a wireless technology for mobile devices.
• See these IT Knowledge Base Yubikey resources to get started.

Need Assistance?

Call the IT Service Desk at 252-328-9866 or visit your nearest Pirate Techs walk-in location.

Post expires at 10:40am on Thursday March 26th, 2026