Activating a Passkey

What is a Passkey?

Passkeys are a software or hardware-based solution that relies on biometric verification such as Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint or physical security keys, eliminating the need to manually enter authentication codes.

Passkeys are phishing-resistant by design, using advanced cryptographic technology to provide secure authentication and protect your account from unauthorized access.

Passkeys are a modern and highly secure form of two-factor authentication based on the web authentication Fido2 industry standard.

You can activate and store your passkey on your mobile devices iPhone or Android or on a dedicated physical authentication key that is Fido2 compatible, such as Yubi Key, Google Titan, Token2 and more.

If you are already using a device or password manager with passkey support for other services, you may simply add your IBKR account to it, otherwise you may use your mobile phone, a password manager with passkey support, or a physical security key to register a new passkey.

So – How do you Activate a Passkey using Client Portal?

First, Log in to Client Portal.

A Login Task screen may automatically appear asking to Register your Passkey device. 

If this occurs, tap Complete to begin.

Make sure that the Bluetooth is active on both your computer and your phone. 

Then enter a name for your Passkey, and then tap the Register button.

A popup will ask you to use your phone, tablet or a USB security key device. 

I’ll select – Use a phone or tablet.

A QR code will display, and this will need to be scanned using your phone.

Simply open your camera app and point the camera at the QR code displayed on your computer screen.

Once your phone is connected, save your passkey.

You will be prompted to verify your identity.

Your software passkey is now registered and ready to be used as a 2FA method, next time you login.

Now, if a Login Task did not appear upon logging into Client Portal – within Client Portal tap on the top right Settings, then Head and Shoulders icon in the top right corner. 

Choose Security, then Secure Login System.

The Two Factor registration widget will appear.

Select the “Passkey” tab.

Name your device. Tap Register.

Choose where to save your passkey on your phone or tablet or with a Physical Security Device.

If you choose your phone, open your Camera app and point the camera at the QR code displayed on your computer screen, once again make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.

You will be prompted to verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint, or your device pin. Simply complete the verification.

Your software passkey is now registered and ready to be used as a 2FA method, next time you login.

Now, if you are Activating a Physical Passkey, within Client Portal – tap on the User Settings, the Head and Shoulders icon in the top right corner.  Choose Security, then Secure Login System.

The Two Factor registration widget will appear.  This time under the Passkey tab, tap Security Key.

Insert your physical security key into your device’s USB port or touch the back of your phone with the security key if both devices support NFC.

Touch the button or sensor on your security key.

Wait for the “Registration Successful” confirmation message.

Your hardware security key is now registered and ready to use as a 2FA method.

And that’s all there is to it! Setting up a passkey on your IBKR account takes just a couple of minutes and gives you a faster, more secure login experience every single day.

Thanks for watching!