Learn how to use macOS Touch ID or Face ID to log into the WRDS website
Introduction
To better protect your personal data and your WRDS account from unauthorized access, WRDS requires that you use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when logging in.
For more information on MFA, see Multi-factor authentication
If you have a macOS device that supports Touch ID or Face ID, you can use these methods to provide MFA when you log in to the WRDS website.
Important: Touch ID / Face ID can only be used with the WRDS website. If you are using a different WRDS access method, such as SSH, or are connecting to the WRDS PostgreSQL server, you should use Duo Mobile or one of the alternate MFA methods instead.
If you are using a Windows computer, see How to Log in to WRDS Using Windows Hello instead.
Requirements
In order to use Touch ID / Face ID to log in to the WRDS website, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be using macOS 11 or later
- Your macOS hardware must have Touch ID or Face ID capabilities.
- Most recent macOS computers feature a Touch ID sensor on the power button at the top-right of your laptop keyboard, or external Apple-branded keyboard.
- You can also use your macOS computer's built-in or external webcam for Face ID.
- You must have configured Touch ID or Face ID on your macOS computer in advance of following these instructions. Follow Apple's Use Touch ID on Mac for detailed instructions.
- You must have iCloud keychain sync enabled on the device you want to use in order to use this feature. For more information, see Set up iCloud Keychain.
- You must be using a supported browser, such as Google Chrome 70 or later.
Setting up Touch ID or Face ID
To set up Touch ID / Face ID, you will need to access the Other Options dialogue in the Duo push prompt that appears during your log in to the WRDS website. If you have not logged in to the WRDS website recently, you can access this menu during your next log in to WRDS.
If you have logged in to the WRDS website recently, or have clicked the Remember Me checkbox recently in a previous login prompt, you can try the following to trigger a Duo prompt:
- Use a browser tab/window in incognito mode (preferred option)
- Use an unremembered device, such as the Chrome browser on your macOS computer if you haven't logged in to WRDS from that computer before
- If neither of the above options work for you, please contact WRDS Support and ask for help setting up a new Touch ID device
When the Duo prompt appears in your web browser after login, click the Other options link.
Select Manage Devices from the list.
Select an existing way to verify your identity. Most users should select Duo Push if they use Duo Mobile.
Now you are in Duo's Device Management page. Select Add a Device.
Select Touch ID from the list.
Read the prompt, then click Continue on the next screen.
You will be shown a confirmation prompt asking you to verify your identity. Use your Touch ID sensor to provide your fingerprint (or point your face at your Face ID camera). Don't click Use password or you'll effectively skip this setup.
On the next screen, click Continue to finish setup.
Using Touch ID to log in to WRDS
You can now use Touch ID / Face ID to fulfill the MFA requirement when you log in to the WRDS website.
You can switch back and forth between Duo MFA methods using the Manage Devices screen, such as to go back to using Duo Mobile if away from your macOS computer.
Using an iPhone or iPad with Touch ID / Face ID
You can also use your iPhone or iPad with Duo MFA at WRDS, as long as it supports Face ID or Touch ID.
For detailed instructions on setting up Duo to use Face ID or Touch ID, see Duo's Face ID / Touch ID on iPhone or iPad.
For instructions on setting up Face ID or Touch ID itself, first:
Troubleshooting
I need help getting Touch ID configured
See Apple's Touch ID documentation for more details and troubleshooting steps.